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
Large pest control companies typically use insecticides with synthetic pyrethroids and insect growth regulators (like pyriproxyfen).
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Avoid pesticides, as many insecticides can harm beneficial pollinators; choose organic pest control methods to protect them.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
The population is still threatened by urbanization, insecticides and non-native fire ants that feast on the eggs and babies.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
However, mosquitoes today from Ghana to Malawi are often able to survive insecticide concentrations 10 times the previously lethal dose.
—Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecticide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Avoid pesticides, as many insecticides can harm beneficial pollinators; choose organic pest control methods to protect them.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
The population is still threatened by urbanization, insecticides and non-native fire ants that feast on the eggs and babies.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
However, mosquitoes today from Ghana to Malawi are often able to survive insecticide concentrations 10 times the previously lethal dose.
—Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 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 7 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
