pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy pests
pesticidal adjective

Examples of pesticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The same study found the DNA of 24 different agricultural pests in the poop — lending validity to the estimate that bats save Wisconsin farmers hundreds of millions of dollars per year on pesticides. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024 In addition, sprays and foggers are not recommended due to the issue of pesticide resistance. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 There are also concerns about the racial and social disparities in exposure to these chemicals — recent studies have found pesticide use is more prevalent in predominantly Latino communities in California, Briscoe notes. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 Letting nature lead means there is no need for pesticides in the garden or additives in the kitchen, and ingredients require little salt or sugar to shine. Anna Haines, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pesticide 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pesticide was circa 1925

Dictionary Entries Near pesticide

Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesticide. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pesticide

noun
pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: a substance used to destroy pests
pesticidal
ˌpes-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

pesticide

noun
pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy pests
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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