herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth

herbicidal

ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsī-dᵊl 

adjective

herbicidally

ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsī-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of herbicide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of these bulbs will naturally spread over time, but using pre-emergent herbicides can prevent this. — Paul Cappeillo, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026

Wait a week or more after mowing so the herbicide has more contact with the weed surfaces, and treat the lawn when no rain is expected for at least 24 hours. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2026

Prevent regrowth by applying pre-emergent herbicides, replanting groundcovers, or using soil solarization. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 2026

See & Spray uses computer vision to distinguish weeds from crops and only sprays the weeds, cutting herbicide costs in half. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin herba + International Scientific Vocabulary -cide

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for herbicide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Kids Definition

herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd 

: a chemical substance used to destroy or stop plant growth

herbicidal

ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective

Medical Definition

herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth

herbicidal

ˌ(h)ər-bə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective

herbicidally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb