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 most entomologists recommend using baits instead of broadcasting residual insecticides all over your lawn because those products also affect beneficials, says David Oi. Repeat treatments. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 June 2025

Here’s what to know about the synthetic insecticide, plus how and when to use it. —Angela Haupt, Time, 24 June 2025

Spray both top and bottom leaf surfaces at first evidence with a general-purpose insecticide labeled for control of mites. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2025

None of these insecticides control the winged and flying adults. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 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