pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy pests
pesticidal adjective

Examples of pesticide 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.
But for consumers who do choose to partake, there's another layer of concern: Traces of other harmful substances like pesticides, molds and heavy metals might be lurking in a tasty-looking edible or nicely packaged vape. Brian Mann, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025 The lab also offers tips for helping birds, like putting markers on windows to avoid bird strikes, keeping cats indoors, avoiding pesticides and providing more natural habitat. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025 Hazardous items in the fire zones can include batteries, ammunition, propane tanks, pesticides, and cleaning products that can become unsafe when exposed to heat and fire. Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025 The ash contains pesticides, asbestos, plastics and lead, all of which children are more vulnerable to, but scientists still don't know the long-term health impacts of exposure. Pilar Arias, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pesticide 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pesticide was circa 1925

Dictionary Entries Near pesticide

Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesticide. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pesticide

noun
pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: a substance used to destroy pests
pesticidal
ˌpes-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

pesticide

noun
pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy pests
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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