insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 
plural insecticides
: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects
broadly
: an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)
Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants. —
Horticulture
Horticulture Examples of insecticide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Avoid using insecticides, especially while the birds are nesting in early spring and summer.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 May 2026
Permethrin was first synthesized in 1973 and registered as an insecticide by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1979.
—Gavin Escott, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Apply Insecticides For severe infestations, insecticides formulated specifically for carpenter ants can effectively eliminate them.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
Luckily these pests can be controlled with a natural spray of spinosad found in Bonide, Fertilome and Southern Ag brands of insecticides usually offered for caterpillar control at independent garden centers.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecticide
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 May 2026
Permethrin was first synthesized in 1973 and registered as an insecticide by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1979.
—Gavin Escott, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Apply Insecticides For severe infestations, insecticides formulated specifically for carpenter ants can effectively eliminate them.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
Luckily these pests can be controlled with a natural spray of spinosad found in Bonide, Fertilome and Southern Ag brands of insecticides usually offered for caterpillar control at independent garden centers.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecticide
Cite this Entry
“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
adjective
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
Medical Definition
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