citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈne-lə 
: a lemon-scented grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields an oil used in perfumery and as an insect repellent
also
: its oil
Examples of citronella in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The smoke smelled comforting—like a mixture of sage and resin, citronella and my grandpa.
—
M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 29 Feb. 2024
The sun is high, the mosquitoes are biting and the age-old rivalry between citronella and bug zappers lives on.
—Sydney Maki, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024
For example, the Vector Control District says citronella candles are effective at repelling mosquitoes only in the immediate radius around the candle, and only in the absence of a breeze.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024
These include citronella, a few other geranium varieties, plus marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender, and lantana.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024
While electric insect zappers range from about $18 to $60, pure citronella oil retails for $9.
—Sydney Maki, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024
Strongly scented oils like lemon eucalyptus or citronella can be effective, non-chemical alternatives.
—Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023
The candles aren't just for the scent, though—their thyme or geranium aroma naturally repels mosquitos as well, eliminating the need for citronella altogether.
—Halee Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2023
This is also why natural ingredients like eucalyptus, lemon, and citronella are effective.
—Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023
M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 29 Feb. 2024
The sun is high, the mosquitoes are biting and the age-old rivalry between citronella and bug zappers lives on.
—Sydney Maki, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024
For example, the Vector Control District says citronella candles are effective at repelling mosquitoes only in the immediate radius around the candle, and only in the absence of a breeze.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024
These include citronella, a few other geranium varieties, plus marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender, and lantana.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024
While electric insect zappers range from about $18 to $60, pure citronella oil retails for $9.
—Sydney Maki, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024
Strongly scented oils like lemon eucalyptus or citronella can be effective, non-chemical alternatives.
—Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023
The candles aren't just for the scent, though—their thyme or geranium aroma naturally repels mosquitos as well, eliminating the need for citronella altogether.
—Halee Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2023
This is also why natural ingredients like eucalyptus, lemon, and citronella are effective.
—Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'citronella.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near citronella
Cite this Entry
“Citronella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citronella. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə
: a lemon-scented oil obtained from a grass of southern Asia and used in perfumes and as an insect repellent
Medical Definition
citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə
1
2
: a fragrant grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields citronella oil
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