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

But the Mayo Clinic recommends that people living in high-risk places take a number of steps to protect themselves, including using netting with insecticide over their bed, using insecticides to kill insects inside their home, and using insect repellent on their body. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

So treat your crepe myrtles according to label directions with a systemic insecticide called bio advance tree and shrub insect killers. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025

Using insecticides around the home perimeter and installing screens on windows and doors can reduce bug entry. —Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Farmers began to spray crops with DDT, one of the first modern insecticides. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025

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