pesky
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- peskily adverb
- peskiness noun
Etymology
Origin of pesky
1765–75; irregular formation from pest ( def. ) + -y 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Maguro shrimp fishing boat docked in Havana three days later than hoped after battling strong winds, currents and a pesky battery during its journey from Mexico.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
And the day after the primary—with those pesky voters out of the equation for a couple of months—Gonzales finally gave an interview in which he admitted to the affair.
From Slate • Mar. 7, 2026
Having already attempted to force those suffering in waiting rooms to create their own “patient portals,” Dr. Al-Hashimi goes on to advocate for an AI-supported system to aid the doctors with pesky paper work.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026
Sometimes it’s a choice as simple as a cream for that pesky rash.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026
The admiral’s voice droned on until it was like the buzzing of those pesky gnats that had given Penelope no peace in the forest.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
