pesky

[ pes-kee ]

adjective

, Informal.

, pes·ki·er, pes·ki·est.

1. annoyingly troublesome; pesty:

   bothered by a pesky fly.

   Synonyms: pestiferous, bothersome, irksome, vexatious

pesky

/ ˈpɛskɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   troublesome

   pesky flies

Derived Forms

• ˈpeskiness, noun
• ˈpeskily, adverb

Other Words From

• peski·ly adverb
• peski·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pesky¹

1765–75; irregular formation from pest ( def ) + -y ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of pesky¹

C19: probably changed from pesty; see pest

Example Sentences

And how could anyone resist letting go of pesky inhibitions with Herman’s empowering score filling up Pasadena Playhouse with pure effervescence.

From Los Angeles Times

That stopped holding water once Trump came into office and declared certain types of Americans to be unequal – those pesky “enemies from within” — and some to be more equal than others.

From Salon

If he gets a second term, he’ll surround himself with more people who will do his bidding without raising pesky questions.

From Los Angeles Times

An experimental program seeks to protect California almond trees from a pesky moth by using X-rays to sterilize the insects.

From Los Angeles Times

But many others delighted in his ability to stick it to pesky journalists, particularly the ones from "down south" who wore their support for the union on their sleeves.

From BBC

Related Words

• annoying
• nettlesome
• troublesome
• vexing