pesticide

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web When that happens, the pesticide is no longer detectable, only the byproducts. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2023 The pesticide was injected into walls and wallpaper, mattresses and clothing. Scott W. Stern, The New Republic, 31 May 2022 Following their recovery, the Delaware family received an $87 million settlement from the pesticide's parent company. Zoe Christen Jones, CBS News, 27 May 2022 Just as the mineral oil used for larviciding, this technique does not have any residual effects, meaning once the droplets fall or evaporate, the pesticide is no longer able to kill mosquitoes. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 16 May 2022 Their conclusion depends on farmers, gardeners and other consumers abiding by the instructions on where and when to use the pesticide. Matthew Brown, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Mar. 2022 Their conclusion depends on farmers, gardeners and other consumers abiding by the instructions on where and when to use the pesticide. chicagotribune.com, 8 Mar. 2022 And diluting the pesticide with heavy watering didn’t reduce its toxicity either, Cecala said. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2021 Studies traced some of those health effects to prenatal exposure to the pesticide. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pesticide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 22 Mar. 2023.

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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