herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
herbicidal adjective
herbicidally adverb

Examples of herbicide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Decades of research show that weeds flourish and pests thrive in response to more carbon dioxide and hotter temperatures, increasing the need for pesticides and herbicides. Kate Raphael, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2025 With modern farming, and its use of pesticides and herbicides, surface microbial communities often suffer. New Atlas, 21 June 2025 After applying herbicide, wash your tools in soapy water, using a grease-cutting dish detergent and a scrub brush. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 June 2025 About 115 acres will be treated with herbicide through Saturday, June 7. Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for herbicide

Word History

Etymology

Latin herba + International Scientific Vocabulary -cide

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herbicide was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Herbicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbicide. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

herbicide

noun
her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
: a chemical substance used to destroy or stop plant growth
herbicidal adjective

Medical Definition

herbicide

noun
her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
herbicidal adjective
herbicidally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!