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
Look for spider mites, aphids, thrips, and other common pests.
—
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2025
Their thick veins and sturdy texture can trap soil and even tiny pests, making thorough cleaning a must.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024
One figure widely quoted by pest control companies: There are 1,000 pounds of termites for every human on Earth.
—Dennis Overbye, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
To fight pests, a technique called mRNA interference allows bioengineers to create a precision poison for a particularly troublesome beetle.
—Andrew Rosenblum, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest 
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Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2025
Their thick veins and sturdy texture can trap soil and even tiny pests, making thorough cleaning a must.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024
One figure widely quoted by pest control companies: There are 1,000 pounds of termites for every human on Earth.
—Dennis Overbye, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
To fight pests, a technique called mRNA interference allows bioengineers to create a precision poison for a particularly troublesome beetle.
—Andrew Rosenblum, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest
Dictionary Entries Near pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 20 Jan. 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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