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

Building on that, the agency launched a new school lunch program to cut pesticides in school meals. — Avik Roy, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

The two pesticides, part of a class of agrochemicals known as neonicotinoids, are permitted under European Union rules, but are currently banned in France. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

But soaking produce in water with a few teaspoons of baking soda mixed in can get fruit and veggies even cleaner and potentially remove leftover pesticide residue too. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026

If rain occurs, pesticide will be sprayed the following evening during the same hours. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 21 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