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.
State wildlife officials held a community meeting a few months ago to provide information to residents about bears and eliminating attractants. Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025 Avoid attractants: Cicadas are attracted to flowering plants and fruit trees. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024 It’s covered in an adhesive that has an attractant to lure the flies to it, encouraging them to land. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025 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, 16 Mar. 2025 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 5 May. 2025.

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

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