citronella

noun

cit·​ro·​nel·​la ˌsi-trə-ˈne-lə How to pronounce citronella (audio)
: either of two lemon-scented grasses (Cymbopogon nardus and C. winterianus) of southern Asia that yield an oil used in perfumery and as an insect repellent
also : its oil

Examples of citronella 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.
Keep mosquitoes away with these citronella candles, and guests can be comfortable throughout the day. Nicol Natale, People.com, 26 June 2025 Amazon has a four-pack of American flag citronella candles. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 2024 Amazon Deals on Outdoor Hosting Essentials Tucked within Amazon’s endless pages are some seriously great finds for all your summer hosting needs, like citronella candles that many users say burn up to five hours and are as little as $10. Toni Sutton, People.com, 8 June 2025 Giant citronella candle: $9.99 Citronella has long been a natural mosquito and bug repellent. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 13 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for citronella

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from French citronnelle lemon balm, from citron

First Known Use

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of citronella was circa 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Citronella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citronella. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

citronella

noun
cit·​ro·​nel·​la ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə How to pronounce citronella (audio)
: a lemon-scented oil obtained from a grass of southern Asia and used in perfumes and as an insect repellent

Medical Definition

citronella

noun
cit·​ro·​nel·​la ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə How to pronounce citronella (audio)
1
2
: a fragrant grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields citronella oil
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