re·pel·lent
ri-ˈpe-lənt 
variants
or less commonly repellant
1
: serving or tending to drive away or ward off
—often used in combination
a mosquito-repellent spray
2
: arousing aversion or disgust : repulsive
repellently
adverb
variants
or less commonly repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance that repels insects
Examples of repellent in a Sentence
Adjective
The candle has a repellent effect on insects.
your snobbish behavior towards my friends is so repellent I can't stand to be around you anymore
Noun
a can of insect repellent
Coat the exterior with a water repellent.
Recent Examples on the Web
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025
Giles will discuss native landscape plants and demonstrate how to make an effective bug repellent with beautyberry.
—Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
Wearing protective clothing, using repellents, and doing thorough tick checks are key to preventing tick bites and Lyme disease.
—Jennifer Welsh Published, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repellent
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show current usage.
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Adjective
The collection also include linen suiting, cotton high gauge knits, water repellent nylon outerwear and silk-linen tops.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025
Giles will discuss native landscape plants and demonstrate how to make an effective bug repellent with beautyberry.
—Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
The repellents should have DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR-3535.
▪ Clean out rain gutters.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
Wearing protective clothing, using repellents, and doing thorough tick checks are key to preventing tick bites and Lyme disease.
—Jennifer Welsh Published, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repellent
Cite this Entry
“Repellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repellent. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
repellent
1 of 2 adjective
re·pel·lent
variants
also repellant
1
: serving or tending to drive away
—often used in combination
a water-repellent jacket
2
: causing disgust
repellently
adverb
repellent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance used to keep off pests (as insects)
Medical Definition
repellent
1 of 2 adjective
re·pel·lent
variants
also repellant
: serving or tending to drive away or ward off
—often used in combination
a mosquito-repellent spray
repellent
2 of 2 noun
variants
also repellant
: something that repels
especially
: a substance used to prevent insect attacks
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