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
Rosin produced with outdoor flower is more susceptible to microbial contamination and pest infestation, requiring more pesticide treatments and potentially remediation.
—
David Goldburg, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Using other plants to minimize unwanted insects is a natural way for pest control.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
A number of commenters noted the likelihood of a rodent infestation and advised the original poster to call pest control.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
The fees included mandatory payments for pest management, trash and community amenities, officials said.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
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David Goldburg, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Using other plants to minimize unwanted insects is a natural way for pest control.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
A number of commenters noted the likelihood of a rodent infestation and advised the original poster to call pest control.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
The fees included mandatory payments for pest management, trash and community amenities, officials said.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 16 Apr. 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 2 May. 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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