preemergent

adjective

pre·​emer·​gent ˌprē-ə-ˈmər-jənt How to pronounce preemergent (audio)

Examples of preemergent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The best time to apply the preemergent herbicide is when the soil temperature reaches 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2022 If crabgrass has been a problem in years past, put down a preemergent herbicide in the spring before crabgrass germinates. Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 12 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preemergent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preemergent was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near preemergent

Cite this Entry

“Preemergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preemergent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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