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.
Chemical Control Options Broadleaf herbicides are the most reliable control method for ground ivy. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 May 2025 Hua adds that even when herbicides and insecticides aren’t designed to harm amphibians, the additives in these products—like surfactants—can still be dangerous since frogs and toads can absorb these substances through their sensitive, permeable skin. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025 Two such herbicides found at garden centers include Fertilome Over-The-Top II and Ortho Grass B Gon. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025 Advanced vision systems can identify and treat individual plants, for example, reducing herbicide usage and solving both economic and environmental challenges. Aditya Ranjan, Forbes.com, 14 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 29 May. 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
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