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
Lidded containers also protect their contents from external elements, including moisture, dirt, dust, and pests.
—
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025
The inspector found rodent droppings in a cabinet with single-use coffee cups and the facility was unable to provide pest control service documents.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2025
Several viewers shared more helpful solutions, with some encouraging the woman to ask a pest control professional for help.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
And fewer pests means healthier growth on hosta plants next year.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025
The inspector found rodent droppings in a cabinet with single-use coffee cups and the facility was unable to provide pest control service documents.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2025
Several viewers shared more helpful solutions, with some encouraging the woman to ask a pest control professional for help.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
And fewer pests means healthier growth on hosta plants next year.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 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 6 Nov. 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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