pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy pests

pesticidal

ˌpe-stə-ˈsī-dᵊl 

adjective

Examples of pesticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Control methods range from hand-picking pests and using baits to applying pesticides and pruning plants. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Earth-friendly gardeners strive to manage our gardens without pesticides. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

According to our experts, baking soda creates a mildly alkaline solution that helps loosen surface dirt and remove some pesticide residues from vegetables. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026

Many invertebrates are in decline globally due to urbanization, habitat destruction, increases in both light and pesticide pollution, and climate change. — Christopher A. Lepczyk, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pesticide

• anti-pesticide

Rhymes for pesticide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Kids Definition

pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd 

: a substance used to destroy pests

pesticidal

ˌpes-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy pests