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

Stanton and Linear recommend always bringing bug spray, citronella candles, tick spray, a first aid kit, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, and a fire starter kit. —Essence, 30 Aug. 2025

Instead, Haines recommends planting lavender, citronella grass, and marigolds. —Sharon Liao, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025

Similarly: Sorry to break it to you, but citronella candles don’t really work (nor do things that contain citronellal, like lemon eucalyptus oil). —Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 21 Aug. 2025

Scents like citronella, peppermint, and lemongrass have long been considered effective. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 July 2025

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

: a fragrant grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields citronella oil