First Known Use: 1513
Dictionary
pest
noun \ˈpest\
: an animal or insect that causes problems for people especially by damaging crops
: a person who bothers or annoys other people
Full Definition of PEST
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 (as agriculture or livestock production)
See pest defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PEST
Middle French peste, from Latin pestis
Related to PEST
- Synonyms
- plague, pestilence
PEST Defined for Kids
pest
noun \ˈpest\
Definition of PEST for Kids
1
: nuisance <… Kirsti was such a pest, always butting in. — Lois Lowry, Number the Stars>
2
: a plant or animal that is harmful to humans or property
3
Medical Dictionary
pest
noun \ˈpest\
Medical Definition of PEST
1
: an epidemic disease associated with high mortality; specifically : plague 2
2
: something resembling a pest in destructiveness; especially : a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns
—pesty \ˈpes-tē\ adjective
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Next Word in the Dictionary: PestalozzianPrevious Word in the Dictionary: pessulusAll Words Near: pest
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