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.

Those pesky censors necessitated certain alterations upon release. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026 But the peskiest part of security cameras in general is the subscription fees you get roped into just to access the footage. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026 But even in what appears to be an advantageous matchup for those pesky S-words, the Chiefs would trade every potential sack for a fifth straight W. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 In the sixth inning Wednesday night, with their pursuit of history on the line against those pesky Milwaukee Brewers, the somnolent Dodgers had finally come to life. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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