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
Indoors, your strawberries are less vulnerable to the pests that are commonly found outdoors.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
To keep these pests from ever getting into your home in the first place and creating a potential infestation, turn to some DIY deterrents.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Partially in response to climate change, winemakers are working with many more indigenous and hybrid grapes that are resistant to extreme weather and pests.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 4 Jan. 2026
Repotting a snake plant at the right time keeps it healthy for decades by preventing stress, pests, and growth problems.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
To keep these pests from ever getting into your home in the first place and creating a potential infestation, turn to some DIY deterrents.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Partially in response to climate change, winemakers are working with many more indigenous and hybrid grapes that are resistant to extreme weather and pests.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 4 Jan. 2026
Repotting a snake plant at the right time keeps it healthy for decades by preventing stress, pests, and growth problems.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 Jan. 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 8 Jan. 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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