citronella

noun

cit·​ro·​nel·​la ˌsi-trə-ˈne-lə 

: either of two lemon-scented grasses (Cymbopogon nardus and C. winterianus) of southern Asia that yield an oil used in perfumery and as an insect repellent

also : its oil

Examples of citronella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The set includes three soy wax candles with three wicks each, infused with fragrant citronella essential oil that, when lit, form an invisible barrier against insects. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 June 2026

Instead, try growing scented plants and herbs that naturally deter ticks, like catnip, garlic and other alliums, lemongrass, lavender, geraniums, rosemary, thyme, oregano, citronella, wormwood, lemon balm, sage, bee balm, and marigolds. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026

There’s some evidence that suggests that the smell of peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil and other essential oils can repel ticks. —Dan Simms, USA Today, 4 June 2026

Wildly pretty during the day when the harsh Puglian sun hits the mellow tufu limestone buildings and the shocking bright bougainvillea, and even lovelier at night when the entire place is lit by citronella lanterns, smoking into the warm air. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from French citronnelle lemon balm, from citron

First Known Use

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for citronella

• arabella
• bartonella
• bordetella
• cinderella
• columella
• isabella
• klebsiella
• legionella
• mozzarella
• pasteurella
• salmonella
• trichinella

Kids 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

: citronella oil

2

: either of two fragrant grasses (Cymbopogon nardus and C. winterianus) of southern Asia that yield citronella oil