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
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.
This perennial prairie native thrives in poor soil and summer heat, tolerating drought, deer, and pests. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 Corteva supplies farmers with products for pest and disease control, as well as seeds, livestock feed and nutrient maximizers, which help stabilize nitrogen levels in the soil. Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Hayes suggested moving those planters outside or using a treatment on the soil to get rid of the pests. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025 The infestation didn’t seem to respond to pest control, either. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 10 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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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