herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth

herbicidal

ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsī-dᵊl 

adjective

herbicidally

ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsī-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of herbicide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The plant also can be controlled by applying a nonselective herbicide, but that will not save digging. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

How to Use Baking Soda to Kill Weeds Baking soda is an effective, natural herbicide that is best reserved for weeds growing in hardscape rather than garden beds. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Depending on the severity of the herbicide damage, the plant may recover, and the new growth may look normal. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026

Inspect for pests, provide adequate sunlight, and protect plants from extreme temperatures or herbicide drift. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin herba + International Scientific Vocabulary -cide

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for herbicide

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

Kids Definition

herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd 

: a chemical substance used to destroy or stop plant growth

herbicidal

ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective

Medical Definition

herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth

herbicidal

ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective

herbicidally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb