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

Examples of insecticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To help mitigate both pests and diseases, isolate the plant and treat infestations with safe, diluted systemic insecticides, such as organic neem oil. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026

Bait station solutions include a low concentrate insecticide active ingredient and an attractant. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026

The California Department of Public Health recommends contacting a licensed pest control company to control the infestation and using heat treatments and insecticides to target bedbugs. — Kate Linderman, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Sticky traps are an easy to way to reduce fly populations without insecticides. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insecticide

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide

Kids Definition

insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

: a chemical used to kill insects

insecticidal

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

: an agent that destroys insects

insecticidal

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective