herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
herbicidal adjective
herbicidally adverb

Examples of herbicide 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.
So far this year, more than a dozen pieces of legislation have been filed that deal with herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals, including those found in cleaning supplies and household products. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2025 If aeration is on your to-do list, do it before applying pre-emergents to avoid disrupting the herbicide barrier. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025 University of Florida recommends applying the herbicide around the middle of February. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025 Environmental exposures: Exposure to toxic chemicals like herbicides (weed killers) or microplastics increases the risk of developing multiple myeloma. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for herbicide

Word History

Etymology

Latin herba + International Scientific Vocabulary -cide

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herbicide was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Herbicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbicide. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

herbicide

noun
her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
: a chemical substance used to destroy or stop plant growth
herbicidal adjective

Medical Definition

herbicide

noun
her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
herbicidal adjective
herbicidally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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