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

Watch for Pests Indoor plants are less likely to attract pests than plants in the garden, but pests can still occasionally find their way inside and wreak havoc on indoor plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024

Leaving a gap will help prevent rot and keep pests away from the trunk. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024

Good news: 'Murder hornets' haven't been seen in Washington this year The public also played a large part in helping eradicate the pest by reporting sightings, officials said. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2024

Even if their crops survive pests and disease, Whitehill told CBS News that cosmetics are an issue, too. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Dec. 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