pest

noun

ˈpest How to pronounce pest (audio)
Synonyms of pestnext
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 How to pronounce pest (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of pest

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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.
In one of the findings, bat houses — artificial roosts in urban environments, similar to nest boxes for birds — were doing their job helping to suppress pests on pecan farms in Texas. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The state is now warning farmers to be on the lookout for a new version of the pest. — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The incentive for them is the opposite of what our forests need — protecting old, established trees that will survive pests and fire. — Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 Even in paradise, a few tiny pests can put a damper on an otherwise idyllic vacation. — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing pest

Rhymes for pest

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Browse Nearby Words

pessulus
pest
Pestalozzi
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Cite this Entry

“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pest

noun
ˈpest How to pronounce pest (audio)
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 How to pronounce pest (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

pest

noun
ˈpest How to pronounce pest (audio)
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 How to pronounce pest (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pest

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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