attractant

noun

at·​trac·​tant ə-ˈtrak-tənt How to pronounce attractant (audio)
: a substance (such as a pheromone) that attracts specific animals (such as insects or individuals of the opposite sex)

Examples of attractant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After the bear leaves, remove potential attractants; notify your neighbors; and check your yard before letting your dog outside. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 8 May 2026 Compounds like lactic acid, ammonia and uric acid (found in sweat) are major attractants, according to USA Today. Ryan Brennan may 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026 Heavier breathing means more carbon dioxide, another major attractant, according to Our Blood Institute. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026 Use sticky traps to monitor levels and show which pots have gnats; however, this won’t provide control because the traps don’t contain an attractant. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attractant

Word History

Etymology

attract + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attractant was in 1889

Cite this Entry

“Attractant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attractant. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

attractant

noun
at·​trac·​tant ə-ˈtrak-tənt How to pronounce attractant (audio)
: something that attracts
especially : a substance that attracts animals (as insects)

More from Merriam-Webster on attractant

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster