insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 
plural insecticides
: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects
broadly
: an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)
Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants. —
Horticulture
Horticulture Examples of insecticide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most general-purpose insecticides will control them.
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 May 2025
Some fly paper also has insecticide incorporated in the formula for a quicker death.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Hayes urged homeowners to wear protective clothing while applying insecticides, and keep kids and pets away from areas that have been treated with them.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
This suggests that exposure of birds’ eggs to insecticides in pet fur nest linings can lead to mortality and lower reproductive success.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insecticide
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Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 May 2025
Some fly paper also has insecticide incorporated in the formula for a quicker death.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Hayes urged homeowners to wear protective clothing while applying insecticides, and keep kids and pets away from areas that have been treated with them.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
This suggests that exposure of birds’ eggs to insecticides in pet fur nest linings can lead to mortality and lower reproductive success.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insecticide
Cite this Entry
“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
adjective
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
Medical Definition
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