attractant

noun

at·​trac·​tant ə-ˈtrak-tənt How to pronounce attractant (audio)
: a substance (such as a pheromone) that attracts specific animals (such as insects or individuals of the opposite sex)

Examples of attractant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Of all the items proposed as mosquito attractants, beer has the most evidence to support a link. Caroline Tien, SELF, 14 Aug. 2025 More than 3,000 plants will be available for purchase, including native species, butterfly and hummingbird attractants, edible plants and more. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025 Between 70-80% of complaints are resolved by recommending that the complainant remove a bear attractant, such as food. Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 14 July 2025 Memory is a powerful attractant, even if the memory isn’t our own. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for attractant

Word History

Etymology

attract + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attractant was in 1889

Cite this Entry

“Attractant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attractant. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

attractant

noun
at·​trac·​tant ə-ˈtrak-tənt How to pronounce attractant (audio)
: something that attracts
especially : a substance that attracts animals (as insects)

More from Merriam-Webster on attractant

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