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
After a few years of decreasing infection, the pests rarely trouble citrus trees.
—
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
Wasps are beneficial as pollinators and pest controls, but a nest near your house can cause problems.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
For more intense control, Hayes advises reaching out to a pest management company.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2025
The researchers say that more work is warranted into finding out exactly how the compound fights off the pests so that an effective green repellent can be developed that doesn't rely on harsh chemicals.
—New Atlas, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
Wasps are beneficial as pollinators and pest controls, but a nest near your house can cause problems.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
For more intense control, Hayes advises reaching out to a pest management company.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2025
The researchers say that more work is warranted into finding out exactly how the compound fights off the pests so that an effective green repellent can be developed that doesn't rely on harsh chemicals.
—New Atlas, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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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