: a colorless odorless water-insoluble insecticide C14H9Cl5 that is an aromatic organochlorine banned in the U.S. that tends to accumulate and persist in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates

Examples of DDT 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.
Instead, Omega established himself in independent promotions around the world as well as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Ring of Honor, DDT Pro-Wrestling, and more. Jeremy Hanna, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 Michigan's bald eagle population has rebounded after plummeting due to pollutants in waterways and widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which negatively affected the eagles’ ability to reproduce. Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 2024 But in that decade, a new threat emerged: the insecticide DDT, which caused eggshells to thin and easily break. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024 Bullet Club has gone on to become one of the most successful wrestling stables of all time, winning championships in AEW, Ring of Honor, DDT Pro-Wrestling, NJPW, National Wrestling Alliance, and more. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for DDT 

Word History

Etymology

dichlor- + diphenyl + trichlor- (from tri- + chlor-)

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DDT was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near DDT

Cite this Entry

“DDT.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DDT. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a colorless formerly used insecticide that is poisonous to many animals with backbones

Medical Definition

: a colorless odorless water-insoluble crystalline insecticide C14H9Cl5 that tends to accumulate in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates

called also chlorophenothane, dicophane

More from Merriam-Webster on DDT

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!