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
This pest fly originated in Europe and was first recorded in our region in 2015.
—
Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with these beetles is that the feeding pests cause the affected plant to produce a volatile aromatic scent, which quickly attracts other beetles to the feast.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Some counties have noticed the major increase through their mosquito traps or from calls for service regarding the flying pests.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Check for mealy bugs, mites and other pests; apply natural sprays as needed.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with these beetles is that the feeding pests cause the affected plant to produce a volatile aromatic scent, which quickly attracts other beetles to the feast.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
Some counties have noticed the major increase through their mosquito traps or from calls for service regarding the flying pests.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Check for mealy bugs, mites and other pests; apply natural sprays as needed.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 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 4 Mar. 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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