pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy pests

pesticidal

ˌpe-stə-ˈsī-dᵊl 

adjective

Examples of pesticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The talks come as the war in Iran has driven up global prices for oil, gasoline and products such as fertilizers and pesticides, prompting governments to rethink energy policies and investment in renewable sources such as wind and solar. — Suzan Fraser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Restricted pesticides are products that are hazardous to public health, farmworkers, the environment and wildlife. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

The very same carcinogenic pesticide that MAHA cares about most. — Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2026

María uses no chemicals, makes her own organic fertilizers, and, since 2023, has trained in protecting soil and crops without pesticides. — Lys Arango, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pesticide

• anti-pesticide

Rhymes for pesticide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Kids Definition

pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd 

: a substance used to destroy pests

pesticidal

ˌpes-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy pests