pesky

adjective

pes·​ky ˈpe-skē How to pronounce pesky (audio)
peskier; peskiest
: 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.
During World War II, lore evolved to such an extent that gremlins became full-fledged celebrities—pesky critters who crawled into plane machinery and destroyed it. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2024 These pesky insects are a nuisance and are often a sign that fruit is decaying. Lauren David, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2024 Attendees learned some pointers to help them in that particularly pesky endeavor, while Zoeller regaled them with tales of his whiskey voyages across the seven seas. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Getting Rid of Pet Hair or Lint Even the peskiest cleaning chores, such as removing pet hair from furniture, can be made easier with your trusty hairspray. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near pesky

Cite this Entry

“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesky. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pesky

adjective
pes·​ky ˈpes-kē How to pronounce pesky (audio)
peskier; peskiest
peskily
-kə-lē
adverb
peskiness
-kē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on pesky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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