citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈne-lə 
: 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
It can be used as a garden shed, a place to stash patio must-haves like citronella candles and fold-up umbrellas, or a utility space to store bikes and athletic equipment.
—
Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2024
For example, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District says citronella candles are effective at repelling mosquitoes only in the immediate radius around the candle, and only in the absence of a breeze.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024
Rodent Deterrent Essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and cinnamon are often included in natural deterrents to repel mice and other rodents.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2024
These include citronella and a few other geranium varieties, marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender and lantana.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for citronella 
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Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2024
For example, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District says citronella candles are effective at repelling mosquitoes only in the immediate radius around the candle, and only in the absence of a breeze.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024
Rodent Deterrent Essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and cinnamon are often included in natural deterrents to repel mice and other rodents.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2024
These include citronella and a few other geranium varieties, marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender and lantana.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for citronella
Dictionary Entries Near citronella
Cite this Entry
“Citronella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citronella. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə
: 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
1
2
: a fragrant grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields citronella oil
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