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
Flies don't like citronella and other strong scents like lavender, rosemary, catnip, and basil.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
Essential Oils Some of the most effective oils for repelling rats include peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and lavender.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025
Stanton and Linear recommend always bringing bug spray, citronella candles, tick spray, a first aid kit, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, and a fire starter kit.
—Essence, 30 Aug. 2025
Similarly: Sorry to break it to you, but citronella candles don’t really work (nor do things that contain citronellal, like lemon eucalyptus oil).
—Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for citronella
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Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
Essential Oils Some of the most effective oils for repelling rats include peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and lavender.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025
Stanton and Linear recommend always bringing bug spray, citronella candles, tick spray, a first aid kit, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, and a fire starter kit.
—Essence, 30 Aug. 2025
Similarly: Sorry to break it to you, but citronella candles don’t really work (nor do things that contain citronellal, like lemon eucalyptus oil).
—Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for citronella
Cite this Entry
“Citronella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citronella. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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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