attractant

noun

at·​trac·​tant ə-ˈtrak-tənt 

: a substance (such as a pheromone) that attracts specific animals (such as insects or individuals of the opposite sex)

Examples of attractant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Among the bill’s requirements would be an assessment of the current black bear population, strategies for minimizing human-bear conflicts, public education initiatives, nonlethal deterrence methods, evaluation of population control measures and waste management practices to reduce attractants. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025

Bait isn’t the only attractant that can be used though. —Skye Goode, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025

The California Department of Food and Agriculture said officials use a male attractant method to combat the fruit flies. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024

The financial path forward for the film is unclear, with its tragic history considered by many in the industry as both a potential attractant and repellent for audiences. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

attract + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for attractant

• extractant
• reactant
• surfactant

Kids Definition

attractant

noun

at·​trac·​tant ə-ˈtrak-tənt 

: something that attracts

especially : a substance that attracts animals (as insects)