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

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

The book detailed the devastating effects to wildlife—especially birds—from the widespread use of the insecticide DDT. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026

Steinkopf recommends wiping these pests off, then using an insecticidal soap or adding a systemic insecticide to the soil. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026

To help prevent infestations, avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects along with the mites. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 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