# pestering

/ˈpɛstɝɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɛstəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pestering
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to keep asking for something or annoying someone again and again, even after they say no or ask you to stop.

For teachers: to trouble or annoy persistently with repeated requests, questions, or interruptions.

## Examples

- He keeps pestering me for extra pocket money.
- The kids kept pestering their parents for ice cream until they finally agreed to stop at the shop.
- After weeks of pestering the council about the broken streetlights, residents finally secured a commitment to repair the entire block before winter.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.