insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce insecticide (audio)
plural insecticides
: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects
broadly : an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)
Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants. Horticulture

Examples of insecticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The most common forms of management are insecticides and sticky bands, a strip of tacky material wrapped around a tree trunk to trap pests. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 Some samples also contained chlorine, used to treat swimming pool water and in the production of hundreds of consumer products such as paper, paints, textiles and insecticides. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Neem Oil works as both a fungicide and insecticide. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 Mar. 2024 The country is relying on insecticide spraying to try to control mosquitoes and mass administration of anti-malarial drugs. Stephanie Nolen, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2023 Treating clothing and gear with permethrin (a broad-spectrum insecticide and insect repellent). Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 23 Feb. 2024 With improving technology, the insecticides and fungicides being sold and used these days are all very environmentally friendly. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2024 Weather disasters disrupt the supply chains of malaria tests, treatments and insecticides. Stephanie Nolen, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2023 Instead of insecticides, the owners of Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm in Lake Elmo use a homemade mix of peppermint castile soap and neem oil to get rid of the bothersome bugs. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insecticide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insecticide was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near insecticide

Cite this Entry

“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insecticide

noun
in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce insecticide (audio)
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

insecticide

noun
in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce insecticide (audio)
: an agent that destroys insects
insecticidal adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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