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
Using Molasses as a Natural Insecticide There are no scientific studies that show molasses is an effective natural insecticide.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Boric acid, or hydrogen borate, is a water-soluble chemical compound that has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and is also a common household insecticide.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 14 May 2025
Agricultural landscapes also tend to have high levels of chemical pollution – especially insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers.
—Christopher Halsch, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
Reportedly the natural control of a spinosad-containing insecticide helps reduce the population.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insecticide
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Boric acid, or hydrogen borate, is a water-soluble chemical compound that has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and is also a common household insecticide.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 14 May 2025
Agricultural landscapes also tend to have high levels of chemical pollution – especially insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers.
—Christopher Halsch, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
Reportedly the natural control of a spinosad-containing insecticide helps reduce the population.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 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 3 Jun. 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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