insecticidal

adjective

in·​sec·​ti·​cid·​al (ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce insecticidal (audio)
1
: destroying or controlling insects
2
: of or relating to an insecticide
insecticidally adverb

Examples of insecticidal 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.
Spray the foliage with insecticidal soap, making sure to soak the tops and bottoms of all leaves. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024 For example, research from the Poverty Action Lab at MIT suggests that giving away insecticidal bed nets — as the Against Malaria Foundation does — is vastly more effective than charging even small amounts for them. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 26 Nov. 2018 To get rid of pests, use insecticidal soap and horticultural oil. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 Consider applying an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil after pruning to smother scale and insect eggs to the dormant roses. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insecticidal 

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insecticidal was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near insecticidal

Cite this Entry

“Insecticidal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticidal. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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