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

These pests may then be brought back indoors on the plants in the fall, says Khan. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024

Select trees and shrubs for their drought tolerance and pest resistance. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024

At the same time, forests are increasingly fragmented, less actively managed, and under siege from invasive pests like the emerald ash borer and diseases like sudden oak death. —Anne Readel, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024

Cardboard provides minimal protection to begin with and, over time, deteriorates, becoming a magnet for moisture and pests. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024

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

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