pest

noun

ˈpest 

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

ˈpe-stē 

adjective

Synonyms of pest

• plague

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

The New World screwworm had been declared eradicated in the US decades ago, thanks to efforts such as the breeding of sterile flies, awareness campaigns and efforts to control the pest in foreign countries. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

New World screwworm, which burrows into the flesh of living animals, is a pest that can affect livestock and cause economic losses in the agricultural sector. —Justina Lee, CNBC, 4 June 2026

One Tarrant County food establishment was closed due to a pest infestation and six others were noted to have issues with hot water in the latest round of health inspections, according to the report. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026

In addition to topical repellents, there are also some effective products that can deter pests from invading your campsite or outdoor dinner party. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French peste, from Latin pestis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pest

• integrated pest management

Rhymes for pest

• blessed
• blest
• breast
• chest
• crest
• dressed
• fest
• gest
• geste
• guessed
• jest
• lest

Kids Definition

pest

noun

ˈpest 

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

ˈpes-tē 

adjective

Medical Definition

pest

noun

ˈpest 

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

ˈpes-tē 

adjective