1. troublesome wild animals, especially small mammals that damage crops or property
Usage: informal; chiefly American
2. mischievous or troublesome people, especially children
Usage: informal; often used affectionately

Examples

• The farmer set traps to catch the varmints that were eating his corn.
• Raccoons and possums are common varmints in suburban areas.
• Those little varmints got into the chicken coop again.
• The rancher hired someone to control the varmints on his property.
• Come here, you little varmints, and clean up this mess!
• The cartoon featured a hunter chasing pesky varmints.
• Groundhogs are considered varmints by many gardeners.