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
Along with table torches, full-size torches like these glass ones are a great way to upgrade your space while stopping pests in their tracks.
—
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Hantavirus is typically spread by rodents, but cruise lines have strict sanitation and pest control measures.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Each animal serves as an important part of the ecosystem, whether that’s cleaning up dead animals or preying on common garden pests.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 6 May 2026
The drought-tolerant, disease- and pest-free plants will grow in average soil and full sun for many years.
—Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Hantavirus is typically spread by rodents, but cruise lines have strict sanitation and pest control measures.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Each animal serves as an important part of the ecosystem, whether that’s cleaning up dead animals or preying on common garden pests.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 6 May 2026
The drought-tolerant, disease- and pest-free plants will grow in average soil and full sun for many years.
—Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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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