pest

noun

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)
3
: one that pesters or annoys : nuisance
pesty adjective

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Beyond lackluster performances and the persistence of pests, the insecticides harmed other wildlife. Salama Udaipurwala, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024 If the rodent has eaten poison, as is commonly used for pest control, the cat eating it is also at risk and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 The worker sent pictures of the bugs to Kwik Trip Internal Operations Support, and a pest control work order was place at 1 a.m. on Oct. 21. Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024 The fruit and leaves must also be inspected at least once daily for pests and disease—no small feat as their surface area balloons. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pest 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French peste, from Latin pestis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pest was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pest

Cite this Entry

“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pest

noun
1
: 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
pesty adjective

Medical Definition

pest

noun
1
: 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
pesty adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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