insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 
plural insecticides
: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects
broadly
: an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)
Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants. —
Horticulture
Horticulture Examples of insecticide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Aerosol insecticides also show only limited success, as more midges emerge after spraying.
—Eva Flowe
may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
The best time for insecticide application is after dark when the bees are in the tunnels.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 5 May 2026
Malathion is often used for the insecticide and Captan for fungicide.
—Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Apr. 2026
Don’t Use Pesticides Avoid using chemical sprays, such as insecticides or herbicides, when maintaining your garden and landscape.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecticide
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Eva Flowe
may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
The best time for insecticide application is after dark when the bees are in the tunnels.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 5 May 2026
Malathion is often used for the insecticide and Captan for fungicide.
—Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Apr. 2026
Don’t Use Pesticides Avoid using chemical sprays, such as insecticides or herbicides, when maintaining your garden and landscape.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecticide
Cite this Entry
“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
adjective
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
Medical Definition
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