pesky

adjective

pes·​ky ˈpe-skē How to pronounce pesky (audio)
peskier; peskiest
Synonyms of pesky
: troublesome, vexatious
pesky issues

Synonyms of pesky

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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.
As its name suggests, the $20 find is formulated with collagen to fill pesky fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026 Good home audio used to mean a sound system that physically filled half a room with amps and tons of pesky cords. — Bestreviews, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Maybe to Looney Tunes fans, but not to hotshot Acme corporate defense lawyer Buddy Crane (John Cena), who plans to brush off the lawsuit like a pesky fly. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 Per Gurman, sources close to Apple's foldable project claim the iPhone Ultra will solve issues that other rivals struggle with, including screen quality and that pesky crease in the middle of the display. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 25 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

Browse Nearby Words

peskiness
pesky
peso
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesky. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pesky

adjective
pes·​ky ˈpes-kē How to pronounce pesky (audio)
peskier; peskiest
: troublesome sense 2
peskily
-kə-lē
adverb
peskiness
-kē-nəs
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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