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 peaceful bliss will be marred by pests and fungi.
—
Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2024
Ferdman expects climate change will usher in more invasive pests, which would create a need for more legislative action.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2024
Residents staged a protest in the building on May 2 with members of KC Tenants, a local tenant union, complaining of numerous issues, including cockroaches, mice and other pests.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2024
Not mowing your lawn and allowing these plants to spread can create weed pest problems that people on neighboring properties likely will have to manage with herbicides.
—Christina Grozinger, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest 
Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2024
Ferdman expects climate change will usher in more invasive pests, which would create a need for more legislative action.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2024
Residents staged a protest in the building on May 2 with members of KC Tenants, a local tenant union, complaining of numerous issues, including cockroaches, mice and other pests.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2024
Not mowing your lawn and allowing these plants to spread can create weed pest problems that people on neighboring properties likely will have to manage with herbicides.
—Christina Grozinger, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 7 Jun. 2024.
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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