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.
The Environmental Protection Agency actually classifies capsaicin as a biochemical pesticide and animal repellant. Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024 There should be a compulsory living wage for sustainable farming roles and more work to reduce pesticide and fertiliser use. Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The fully autonomous vehicle carries up to 200 pounds of fertilizer or pesticides and uses on-board technology to precisely cover 60 acres per hour. Jared Lindzon, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Last week, Campbell said the sites would serve temporarily as staging for organic waste, such as trees and vegetation; construction and demolition materials; appliances and electronics; and household hazardous waste, like batteries, pesticides, paint and cleaning supplies. Sarah Honosky, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 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 24 Nov. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!