1 pestilent | Definition of pestilent
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pestilent

adjective
pes·​ti·​lent | \ ˈpe-stÉ™-lÉ™nt How to pronounce pestilent (audio) \

Definition of pestilent

1 : destructive of life : deadly
2 : injuring or endangering society : pernicious
3 : causing displeasure or annoyance
4 : infectious, contagious a pestilent disease
Other Words from pestilent Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about pestilent

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Other Words from pestilent

pestilently adverb

Examples of pestilent in a Sentence

proper hand washing will help prevent the spread of most pestilent diseases pestilent reporters hounding him night and day

Recent Examples on the Web

 At the time, the miasmatic theory of disease—the idea that illness was caused by foul, pestilent odors—had made its way to Boston from England, and undoubtedly influenced the decision to fill in the pond. — Betsy Mason, National Geographic, "How Boston Made Itself Bigger," 13 June 2017 At the time, the miasmatic theory of disease—the idea that illness was caused by foul, pestilent odors—had made its way to Boston from England, and undoubtedly influenced the decision to fill in the pond. — Betsy Mason, National Geographic, "How Boston Made Itself Bigger," 13 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pestilent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pestilent

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for pestilent

Middle English, from Latin pestilent-, pestilens pestilential, from pestis

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pestilent

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