pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy pests

pesticidal

ˌpe-stə-ˈsī-dᵊl 

adjective

Examples of pesticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They should not have been treated with pesticides, and should be food-grade if buying from a local florist. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026

He was covered from neck to boots in fabrics soaked with permethrin—a pesticide modelled on the toxic pyrethrin found in chrysanthemum flowers. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

The species went into decline for a number of reasons, including pesticides and a disease known as white-nose syndrome, federal officials say. — Mark Price june 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2026

Over the past decade, vertical farming has grown explosively - in concert with a global quest for fresh, organic, pesticide free vegetables, grown locally. — Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pesticide

• anti-pesticide

Rhymes for pesticide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Kids Definition

pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd 

: a substance used to destroy pests

pesticidal

ˌpes-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd 

: an agent used to destroy pests