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
Consider using tools like sticky traps to help monitor pest activity as temperatures rise.
—
Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025
House mice, which are considered pests, can carry diseases and cause food waste.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
There is still that aspect to his game — a pest who nips between bigger bodies to regain possession — which is reflected statistically.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
The ranch is plagued with destructive wild hogs, so panthers do the state a favor by feasting on the invasive pests.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2025
House mice, which are considered pests, can carry diseases and cause food waste.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025
There is still that aspect to his game — a pest who nips between bigger bodies to regain possession — which is reflected statistically.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
The ranch is plagued with destructive wild hogs, so panthers do the state a favor by feasting on the invasive pests.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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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