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
Picking the Wrong Location Planting fruit trees in overly shady spots or poorly draining soil inhibits fruiting and makes your plants more susceptible to pests, diseases, and rot.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
Iowa State researchers said spraying pyrethroid insecticides, such as Permethrin or Esfenvalerate, on the outside of buildings when the beetles appear may help prevent pest entry, especially for large infestations.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Understanding Spider Mites The life cycle of these pests is rapid.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Outer openings not protected against entry of pests (back door open).
—Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
Iowa State researchers said spraying pyrethroid insecticides, such as Permethrin or Esfenvalerate, on the outside of buildings when the beetles appear may help prevent pest entry, especially for large infestations.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Understanding Spider Mites The life cycle of these pests is rapid.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Outer openings not protected against entry of pests (back door open).
—Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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