insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 
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
Horticulture Examples of insecticide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While traditional farming methods avoid insecticides and fertilizers, the soccer fields are another story.
—Mariana Martínez Barba and Julitàn Trejo Bax, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024
Pest control professionals sprayed the affected areas with insecticides on Oct 21., followed by a final spray on Oct. 23.
—Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
For years, wildlife officials and researchers have engaged in a small-scale biological war against the plague, spreading insecticides to kill the fleas and vaccinating prairie dogs and ferrets.
—Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 23 Sep. 2024
Her flowers are grown without pesticides, insecticides or chemical fertilizers.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecticide 
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Mariana Martínez Barba and Julitàn Trejo Bax, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024
Pest control professionals sprayed the affected areas with insecticides on Oct 21., followed by a final spray on Oct. 23.
—Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
For years, wildlife officials and researchers have engaged in a small-scale biological war against the plague, spreading insecticides to kill the fleas and vaccinating prairie dogs and ferrets.
—Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 23 Sep. 2024
Her flowers are grown without pesticides, insecticides or chemical fertilizers.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecticide
Dictionary Entries Near insecticide
Cite this Entry
“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
adjective
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
Medical Definition
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