pestilence

noun

pes·​ti·​lence ˈpe-stə-lən(t)s 

1

: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating

especially : bubonic plague

2

: something that is destructive or pernicious

I'll pour this pestilence into his ear

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

• plague

Examples of pestilence in a Sentence

After years of war and pestilence, few people remained in the city.

the fear that terrorists could unleash a pestilence that would wreak unspeakable havoc

Recent Examples on the Web

While pestilence crept over the walls of cities and the countryside fell into desolation—many foreign conquerors of Europe knew how to fight and plunder but not to plow or sow—the monks preserved words. —Bernd Roeck june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025

In recent years, the censorship and false narratives of woke cancel culture have transformed our great universities into greenhouses for this deadly and virulent pestilence. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

Being omnivorous, with a very long and efficient gut, humans coped better than other mammals in the face of pestilence and drought, the better to ensure our survival. —John Mariani, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

In recent years, the censorship and false narratives of woke cancel culture have transformed our great universities into greenhouses for this deadly and virulent pestilence. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pestilence

noun

pes·​ti·​lence ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s 

: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that spreads quickly and is often fatal

especially : bubonic plague

Medical Definition

pestilence

noun

pes·​ti·​lence ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s 

: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating

specifically : bubonic plague