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

As habitat loss, pesticides and climate change pummel monarch populations, the research could help their numbers rebound. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Fittingly, the hotel takes great care to disrupt its surroundings as little as possible; a geothermal well services the property’s heating and cooling, and plants that draw mosquito-eating birds are used in place of pesticides. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

In addition to pesticide regulation, Huerta’s recent activism in Sacramento centered on cuts to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as SNAP, or CalFresh in California. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Each has its own requirements for growing conditions, and many still require using pesticides for optimum growth. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 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