1
: destroying or controlling insects
2
: of or relating to an insecticide

Examples of insecticidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Their natural enemies live in the garden too; so, don’t spray with any kind of pesticide, oil or insecticidal soap. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 Use Insecticidal Soap Applying an insecticidal soap is a less toxic alternative to conventional pesticides. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026 The experts say to use a hose to gently wash the pests off your plants, then follow up with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The Spruce, 21 July 2026 The best treatment for these pests, which include aphids, white flies, and thrips, is typically done with alternating treatment of neem oil and insecticidal soap. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for insecticidal

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insecticidal was in 1857

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Cite this Entry

“Insecticidal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticidal. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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