beneficials

ben·e·fi·cials | \ ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəlz

How to pronounce beneficials (audio)

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Definition of beneficials

: organisms (such as ladybugs, lacewings, and bacteria) that feed on or parasitize pests of crops, gardens, and turf

Examples of beneficials in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Good gardeners grow a diverse palette of plants to minimize disease and encourage beneficials. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, "How many roses are too many? A somewhat sensible approach," 7 Nov. 2020 Be aware that even organic insecticides often kill bees, butterflies and other beneficials. — Linda Jones, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Garden Mastery: Here’s how to identify and manage insect pests in your garden," 12 Sep. 2020 Learn more about the pest insects and these helpful beneficials in the Texas Bug Book by Howard Garrett and C. Malcolm Beck. — Howard Garrett, Dallas News, "Desirable but delicate, lacewings are your garden’s friend," 3 Aug. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beneficials.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near beneficials

beneficial improvement

Statistics for beneficials

Last Updated

30 Nov 2020

Cite this Entry

“Beneficials.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficials. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.

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