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
Below, our bed bug experts detail how to recognize the earliest signs of a pest problem, the different types of available treatments, and top tips for preventing bed bugs from ever crossing your bedroom's threshold.
—
Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Rosemary is a flavorful herb that enhances gardens by repelling pests and improving the taste of nearby plants.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Ira Parker, the co-creator and showrunner behind A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, confirms these pests were a genuine issue when filming this big set piece.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Squash Squash also belong to the Cucurbit family and attract the same pests.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Rosemary is a flavorful herb that enhances gardens by repelling pests and improving the taste of nearby plants.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Ira Parker, the co-creator and showrunner behind A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, confirms these pests were a genuine issue when filming this big set piece.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Squash Squash also belong to the Cucurbit family and attract the same pests.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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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