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

Examples of insecticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Use either a horticultural oil or systemic insecticide if these insects are noted, following label instructions. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025

Monarch butterflies face loss and degradation of habitat, exposure to insecticides and the effects of climate change. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Dec. 2024

The good news is that ants do not become resistant to insecticides like cockroaches and flies can, says Benson. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024

Rodenticides and insecticides are extremely harmful if pets ingest them directly or eat affected pests. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

: a chemical used to kill insects

insecticidal

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

: an agent that destroys insects

insecticidal

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective