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
Further genomic research could help scientists to better understand the cockroaches’ spread and the evolution of their resistance to insecticides, which could, in turn, lead to better pest management.
—
Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2024
Regularly check for scorpions, as persistent sightings may indicate a larger pest control problem requiring professional help.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest 
Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2024
Regularly check for scorpions, as persistent sightings may indicate a larger pest control problem requiring professional help.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share