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

Solution The first line of defense against pests is a good offense. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2024

But these and many other tree species are now rare due to the ravages of disease and invasive pests. —Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024

Cats are so effective against pests that their feline smell alone is enough to keep rats and others away from homes. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

Spiders are predators who keep other more harmful pests, like disease-carrying ticks, at bay. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 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