pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
Synonyms of pesticidenext
: an agent used to destroy pests
pesticidal
ˌpe-stə-ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
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.
Their sustainable food and beverage operations include harvesting fruit and vegetables from their on-site pesticide-free garden and their ongoing relationships with local farmers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026 The proposal would give the EU the power to ban imports with traces of pesticides that aren’t authorized in the bloc. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 California Farm Bureau denounced the pesticide’s cancellation. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas said in South Florida’s climate, the real turf fields require irrigation, fertilizer and pesticides. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing pesticide

Rhymes for pesticide

See All Rhymes for pesticide

Browse Nearby Words

pesthouse
pesticide
pestiferous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesticide. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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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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