citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈne-lə 
: a lemon-scented grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields an oil used in perfumery and as an insect repellent
also
: its oil
Examples of citronella in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ditch the bug spray and citronella candles—these blankets keep mosquitos, ticks, and flies at bay
July 12, 2024
All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.
—
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 12 July 2024
And a study in Israel reported that a citronella formulation was effective as a repellent against them.
—Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
Formulated with natural citronella and lemongrass to keep the bugs away, this small 4-ounce bottle is perfect for travel.
—Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2024
There are also some candles that are made with citronella oil, which is found in some species of lemongrass, that can help ward off mosquitoes and other pests when burned.
—Riis Williams, Scientific American, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for citronella 
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 12 July 2024
And a study in Israel reported that a citronella formulation was effective as a repellent against them.
—Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
Formulated with natural citronella and lemongrass to keep the bugs away, this small 4-ounce bottle is perfect for travel.
—Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2024
There are also some candles that are made with citronella oil, which is found in some species of lemongrass, that can help ward off mosquitoes and other pests when burned.
—Riis Williams, Scientific American, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for citronella
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'citronella.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near citronella
Cite this Entry
“Citronella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citronella. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə
: a lemon-scented oil obtained from a grass of southern Asia and used in perfumes and as an insect repellent
Medical Definition
citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə
1
2
: a fragrant grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields citronella oil
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