pest Definition
- 1an insect or small animal that is harmful or damages crops, food, livestock, etc.
- 2a person or thing that causes annoyance or irritation
Using pest: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The farmer used pesticides to control the pest infestation in his crops.
Example
The house was infested with pests like cockroaches and mice.
Example
He's such a pest, always bothering me when I'm trying to work.
Example
The paparazzi can be a real pest to celebrities.
pest Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using pest
Example
He kept calling me and leaving messages, like a pest in my ear.
Example
The abandoned building was a real pest hole, with rats and roaches everywhere.
Example
He made a pest of himself by constantly asking for favors and attention.
Phrases with pest
the regulation or management of pests, usually by using chemicals or other methods to reduce their population
Example
The company specializes in pest control services for residential and commercial properties.
Example
She sprayed the plants with a natural pest repellent to keep the insects from eating them.
Example
The hotel had a serious pest problem, with bed bugs infesting many of the rooms.
Origins of pest
from Middle English 'pestilence', meaning 'plague'
Summary: pest in Brief
The term 'pest' [pest] refers to harmful insects or small animals that damage crops, food, livestock, etc. It also denotes a person or thing that causes annoyance or irritation, as in 'He's such a pest, always bothering me when I'm trying to work.' The term extends into phrases like 'pest control,' and idioms like 'a pest in one's ear,' denoting a persistent and annoying person.
