pesky

adjective

pes·ky ˈpe-skē

peskier; peskiest

Synonyms of pesky

: troublesome, vexatious

pesky issues

Examples of pesky in a Sentence

I've been trying to get rid of this pesky cold for weeks. the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Though the Liberty controlled the game throughout, the Fever were a pesky mosquito refusing to go away. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The issue touches everything from the Chevrolet Equinox to GMC Acadia to Buick Enclave, and a new service bulletin details how techs should diagnose the issue and when to replace that pesky sensor, which is buried deep in the gearbox. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 20 Aug. 2026 Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool, $12 Mosquito bites may be a summertime rite of passage, but these pesky insects don’t stop biting after the autumnal equinox. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026 The drop-waist elongates the torso to create the illusion of height, all while concealing pesky lines due to the breathable pleats. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pesky

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from pest + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of pesky was in 1775

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

peskiness

pesky

peso

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesky. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pesky

adjective

pes·ky ˈpes-kē

peskier; peskiest

: troublesome sense 2

peskily

-kə-lē

adverb

peskiness

-kē-nəs

noun

pesky

adjective

Synonyms of pesky

Examples of pesky in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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