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pesticide

noun

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

Examples of pesticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Exposure to Toxins Toxins like heavy metals, pesticide residues, and other chemicals can be present in spices and other food items, including nutmeg. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2025 Two residential pesticides were beneath the rice cooker in the kitchen. Sacbee.com, 3 Dec. 2025 Notably, sperm count and motility have dropped significantly since the 1950s, trends some studies link to environmental pollutants like microplastics and pesticides. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025 Agriculture employs more than half of the continent’s population and contributes around 35% of its GDP, yet many countries lack sufficient pesticide regulation. Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 1 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesticide. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

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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