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

For large infestations, consider the use of insecticides. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 June 2025

Any proposals that recommend routine insecticide spraying of your trees and shrubs should be questioned. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025

If the shelves and displays are stock full of butterfly-harming neonicotinoids and other insecticides, stop shopping there and tell them why. —Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 4 June 2025

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

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