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 of pest

• 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

Officials are asking anyone who purchased the plants beginning April 21 to help prevent further spread of the pest by first placing two garbage bags over the plants and tying them tightly, and then contacting their local agricultural commissioner’s office. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Use bagged potting soil instead — it’s formulated to drain properly and won’t introduce pests or disease into your kitchen. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

The pest does not threaten humans or animals, but residents should not return, transport, relocate, dispose of or compost the plants, as that could spread the infestation. —Allison Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026

Plant kale alongside green onions and other alliums, such as chives and leeks, to repel common pests like cabbage loopers and aphids. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026

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