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
The delicate appearance may surprise you since these blooms resist deer, have few pest and disease problems, and can grow in clay soil.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025
The Star previously reported in April that tenants in the building, which has faced several complaints to the city’s Healthy Homes program, had struggled with health and safety concerns inside the building for years, including pest infestations and maintenance issues.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025
Most weed seeds die in compost temperatures above 140°F, and most plant pathogens and pests are killed at 130°F.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
That personal touch makes pest control feel less like a transaction and more like a relationship.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025
The Star previously reported in April that tenants in the building, which has faced several complaints to the city’s Healthy Homes program, had struggled with health and safety concerns inside the building for years, including pest infestations and maintenance issues.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025
Most weed seeds die in compost temperatures above 140°F, and most plant pathogens and pests are killed at 130°F.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
That personal touch makes pest control feel less like a transaction and more like a relationship.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Nov. 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 13 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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