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
Additionally, 77 percent of growers rotate crops, disrupting pest cycles, building soil health and diversifying farm income for a more stable system.
—
Sj Studio, Footwear News, 6 Apr. 2026
As a result, only a few spiders threaten human health, while most are harmless and even beneficial for pest control.
—Matthew Cordes, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
To ward pests and disease, the gardening company recommends using organic sprays or Neem oil and regularly checking your plants for signs of infestation or illness.
—McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026
Like dill, the small nectaries in cilantro flowerheads attract parasitoids, ladybeetles, lacewings, and syrphid flies that feed on small, soft-bodied garden pests.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Sj Studio, Footwear News, 6 Apr. 2026
As a result, only a few spiders threaten human health, while most are harmless and even beneficial for pest control.
—Matthew Cordes, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
To ward pests and disease, the gardening company recommends using organic sprays or Neem oil and regularly checking your plants for signs of infestation or illness.
—McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026
Like dill, the small nectaries in cilantro flowerheads attract parasitoids, ladybeetles, lacewings, and syrphid flies that feed on small, soft-bodied garden pests.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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