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
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.
Each product is tested for potency and things like pesticides and heavy metals, said lab manager Adam Richardson. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025 The Safe School Meals Act aims to protect children by removing pesticide and chemical residues from school meals. Tom Gauthier, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 The Department of Health and Human Services does not directly set the limits on how glyphosate and other pesticides are used. Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 20 May 2025 Viscose usually requires harsh chemicals, but these sheets are Oeko-Tex certified, which means they're made without harmful chemicals and pesticides. Nena Farrell, Wired News, 19 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesticide. Accessed 29 May. 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
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