biological control

noun

1

: the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)

2

: an agent used in biological control

Examples of biological control in a Sentence

She practices biological control in her gardening.

She uses biological controls in her garden.

Recent Examples on the Web

Treat your lawn for grubs with a biological control like beneficial nematodes or milky spore, says Dolshun. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026

This lends even further support for the snail’s sophisticated level of biological control over what would otherwise be simple geochemical precipitation. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Biological warfare One line of defense against the thrip that researchers found is biological control. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

Between 2005 and 2019, managers tried biological controls to reduce numbers. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for biological control

• diethylstilbestrol
• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• glycerol
• metropole
• monopole
• multipole
• omeprazole

Kids Definition

biological control

noun

: attack upon pests by interference with their ecology (as by introduction of parasites)

Medical Definition

biological control

noun

1

: the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)

2

: an agent (such as pyrethrum) used in biological control