insecticidal

adjective

in·​sec·​ti·​cid·​al (ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce insecticidal (audio)
1
: destroying or controlling insects
2
: of or relating to an insecticide
insecticidally adverb

Examples of insecticidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
To get rid of pests, use insecticidal soap and horticultural oil. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 Consider applying an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil after pruning to smother scale and insect eggs to the dormant roses. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2024 Aphids in high numbers, especially on sturdy stems, can be crushed by hand, sprayed with a suffocating type product like insecticidal soap, or knocked off by a strong jet of water. Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2024 Try moderately forceful sprays with water instead, insecticidal soap or other least toxic controls. Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for insecticidal 

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insecticidal was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near insecticidal

Cite this Entry

“Insecticidal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticidal. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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