insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 
plural insecticides
: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects
broadly
: an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)
Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants. —
Horticulture
Horticulture Examples of insecticide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Iowa State said spraying pyrethroid insecticides such as Permethrin or Esfenvalerate on the outside of buildings when the beetles appear may help prevent pest entry, especially for large infestations.
—Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024
That’s because cockroaches have a high degree of insecticide resistance.4 Look for a different active ingredient (preferably in a different class of insecticides), not just a different product, says Oi. Product rotation slows down the development of insecticide resistance.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024
Innovation in insecticides reached new heights in the 1950s, along with government enthusiasm to deploy the chemicals.
—Salama Udaipurwala, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024
While traditional farming methods avoid insecticides and fertilizers, the soccer fields are another story.
—Mariana Martínez Barba and Julitàn Trejo Bax, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecticide 
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.
Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024
That’s because cockroaches have a high degree of insecticide resistance.4 Look for a different active ingredient (preferably in a different class of insecticides), not just a different product, says Oi. Product rotation slows down the development of insecticide resistance.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024
Innovation in insecticides reached new heights in the 1950s, along with government enthusiasm to deploy the chemicals.
—Salama Udaipurwala, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024
While traditional farming methods avoid insecticides and fertilizers, the soccer fields are another story.
—Mariana Martínez Barba and Julitàn Trejo Bax, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecticide
Dictionary Entries Near insecticide
Cite this Entry
“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
adjective
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
Medical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share