pest

noun

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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to Orkin's Bed Bug Registry, these pests are expert hitchhikers, making hotels, luggage and second-hand furniture prime targets. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Farmers there must submit an odor and pest control plan to the county and can build no more than four barns holding egg-laying hens or eight houses for raising chickens for slaughter. Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025 In addition to marigolds deterring nematodes, other aromatic plants such as basil and rosemary have been shown to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025 The pests live in four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult fleas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pest 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French peste, from Latin pestis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pest was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pest

Cite this Entry

“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pest

noun
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 adjective

Medical Definition

pest

noun
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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