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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 But that’s an example of a pest that’s on the radar. 
Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 Some evidence of crop disease and pest infestations also added to the woes. Kim Chipman, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2022 At a rally organized by Baltimore Renters United on Wednesday, residents in three Reservoir Hill buildings said their landlord has failed to address broken elevators, pest infestations and other housing problems. Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2022 According to Smart Garden Guide, this can also mean that your evergreen is suffering from pest infestations, heat stress or overwatering. Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 27 June 2022 Unsurprisingly, low-income households are the most likely to have high concentrations of pest allergens. jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2022 Mexican fruit flies are an invasive agricultural pest that can infest up to 50 different types of produce, including avocados, citrus, apples, peaches, pears, pomegranates and many kinds of tropical fruit. Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2022 Take a photo, squash the insect, and make a report to DEM’s agricultural pest alerts website. Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Aug. 2022 Sebright Gardens, 7185 Lakeside Drive N.E., Salem; salemhardyplantsociety.org Orchard Pest & Disease Management Workshop: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn to identify, prevent and treat signs of pest damage and disease in your home orchard. oregonlive, 19 Aug. 2022 See More
Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 Some evidence of crop disease and pest infestations also added to the woes. Kim Chipman, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2022 At a rally organized by Baltimore Renters United on Wednesday, residents in three Reservoir Hill buildings said their landlord has failed to address broken elevators, pest infestations and other housing problems. Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2022 According to Smart Garden Guide, this can also mean that your evergreen is suffering from pest infestations, heat stress or overwatering. Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 27 June 2022 Unsurprisingly, low-income households are the most likely to have high concentrations of pest allergens. jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2022 Mexican fruit flies are an invasive agricultural pest that can infest up to 50 different types of produce, including avocados, citrus, apples, peaches, pears, pomegranates and many kinds of tropical fruit. Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2022 Take a photo, squash the insect, and make a report to DEM’s agricultural pest alerts website. Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Aug. 2022 Sebright Gardens, 7185 Lakeside Drive N.E., Salem; salemhardyplantsociety.org Orchard Pest & Disease Management Workshop: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn to identify, prevent and treat signs of pest damage and disease in your home orchard. oregonlive, 19 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle French peste, from Latin pestis
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing pest
Kids Definition
pest
noun
ˈpest
1
: nuisance
… Kirsti was such a pest, always butting in. Lois Lowry, Number the Stars
Lois Lowry, Number the Stars2
: a plant or animal that is harmful to humans or property
3
: pestilence
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
pest
noun
1
as in plague
a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death one of the great pests of the 20th century was the influenza epidemic of 1918, which killed millions across the globe Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- plague
- pestilence
- epidemic
- infection
- blight
- malady
- ailment
- illness
- pandemic
- contagion
- murrain
- scourge
- sickness
- curse
- infirmity
- affliction
- affection
2
as in nuisance
one who is obnoxiously annoying stop being a pest to your sister and go find something else to do Synonyms & Similar Words
- nuisance
- annoyer
- annoyance
- tease
- gadfly
- bother
- pain
- headache
- nudnik
- persecutor
- gnawer
- plague
- nudnick
- pain in the neck
- teaser
- harrier
- interrupter
- heckler
- tormentor
- tormenter
- harasser
- torturer
- molester
- interruptor
- hassle
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- charmer
- smoothie
- comforter
- soother
- solacer
- smoothy
3
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation a never-ending construction project that continues to be a pest for motorists Synonyms & Similar Words
- nuisance
- headache
- thorn
- irritant
- problem
- annoyance
- worry
- frustration
- inconvenience
- menace
- aggravation
- bugbear
- hair shirt
- rub
- vexation
- irk
- trial
- aggro
- plague
- peeve
- bother
- ruffle
- exasperation
- hassle
- insult
- botheration
- curse
- burden
- discomfort
- anxiety
- offender
- trouble
- predicament
- disturber
- annoyer
- offence
- fleabite
- upset
- affront
- albatross
- plight
- pinprick
- cross
- offense
- sore
- harasser
- tribulation
- millstone
- affliction
- mischief
- pet peeve
- hang-up
- pandora's box
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- pleasure
- joy
- delight