glyphosate

noun

glyph·​o·​sate ˈgli-fə-ˌsāt 

ˈglī-

: a systemic organophosphate herbicide C₃H₈NO₅P used to control herbaceous and woody weeds especially on croplands

Examples of glyphosate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Weedkiller cancer claims An ongoing battle over whether the popular Roundup weedkiller causes cancer could get curtailed or supercharged depending on whether the justices allow the manufacturer to be sued for failing to warn of cancer risks from the active ingredient glyphosate. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 13 May 2026

The company acquired Roundup maker Monsanto for $63 billion in 2018 and has faced years of litigation since the deal was completed, amid claims that glyphosate, an ingredient in the weedkiller, has been the cause of health issues, including cancer. —Hugh Leask,chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 12 May 2026

Langelo recommends triclopyr, a woody plant herbicide, or glyphosate, which might take longer. —Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 11 May 2026

Between 2009 and 2019, the EPA repeatedly concluded there is no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans. —Sarah J. Morath, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from International Scientific Vocabulary glycine + phosph- + -ate entry 1

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glyphosate

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway