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
For centuries, humans dismissed them as pests.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025
This can also create a breeding ground for unwanted pests and fungal diseases.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Visitors are encouraged not to bring outside firewood to help prevent the spread of invasive pests; bundles can be purchased at the concession or ranger station.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
Jade plants that are stressed or suffering from pests or diseases may not develop roots well.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025
This can also create a breeding ground for unwanted pests and fungal diseases.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Visitors are encouraged not to bring outside firewood to help prevent the spread of invasive pests; bundles can be purchased at the concession or ranger station.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
Jade plants that are stressed or suffering from pests or diseases may not develop roots well.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 31 Dec. 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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