1
: an epidemic disease associated with high mortality
specifically
: plague
2
: something resembling a pest in destructiveness
especially
: a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns (such as agriculture or livestock production)
Examples of pest in a Sentence
These insects are pests for farmers.
mice and other household pests
You're being a real pest. Would you leave us alone, please?
Recent Examples on the Web
Poor drainage can also lead to a variety of issues from pests to diseases.
—
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 July 2024
Plant diseases are often spread by infected soil and transplants, but they can also be transmitted by plant pests like whiteflies.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2024
In containers, the main pests to look for are thrips, mealybugs, and aphids.
—Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2024
Homeowners who find that standing water in their area has led to a new population of mosquitoes can call pest control companies like Bill’s to treat the issue, Schraeder said.
—Vivian Barrett, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest 
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 July 2024
Plant diseases are often spread by infected soil and transplants, but they can also be transmitted by plant pests like whiteflies.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2024
In containers, the main pests to look for are thrips, mealybugs, and aphids.
—Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2024
Homeowners who find that standing water in their area has led to a new population of mosquitoes can call pest control companies like Bill’s to treat the issue, Schraeder said.
—Vivian Barrett, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pest
noun1
: an epidemic disease which causes a large number of deaths
especially
: plague entry 1 sense 2
2
: something resembling a pest in destructiveness
especially
: a plant or animal harmful to human beings or human concerns (as agriculture)
3
: one that pesters or annoys : nuisance
Medical Definition
pest
noun1
: an epidemic disease associated with high mortality
specifically
: plague sense 2
2
: something resembling a pest in destructiveness
especially
: a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns
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