pestilence

noun

pes·​ti·​lence ˈpe-stə-lən(t)s How to pronounce pestilence (audio)
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 earWilliam Shakespeare

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Israel has no choice but to go to this area to get rid of the pestilence and hopefully rescue the innocent hostages. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2024 In dramatic lore they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction and death. Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 Email marketing has become an inescapable pestilence, causing anxiety as consumers try to discern which emails are legitimate and which may be phishing attempts. Greg Petro, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 My advice has nothing to do with conflict or pestilence. Paul Thornton, The Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pestilence 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pestilence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pestilence

Cite this Entry

“Pestilence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pestilence. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pestilence

noun
pes·​ti·​lence ˈpes-tə-lən(t)s How to pronounce pestilence (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce pestilence (audio)
: a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating
specifically : bubonic plague

More from Merriam-Webster on pestilence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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