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

• pestilence
• 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

They were likely introduced to Europe for pest control, the scientists said. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025

There can be legal disputes between policyholders, pest control providers, and insurers if pest control treatments fail or when claims are made about the effectiveness of a solution that later turns out to be insufficient. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 May 2025

For questions about gardening, plant pests or diseases, call 415-473-4204 from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays, bring in samples or pictures to 1682 Novato Blvd., Suite 150B, Novato, or email [e-mail]. —Martha Proctor, Mercury News, 1 May 2025

Understanding Spider Mites The life cycle of these pests is rapid. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025

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