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
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsī-dᵊl-ē How to pronounce insecticidal (audio)
adverb

Examples of insecticidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Don't lab studies conclusively prove the bio-insecticidal toxicity of marigolds? — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 6 July 2026 Spray plants with neem oil, spinosad, or insecticidal soap, though these products must contact the beetles to work. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 The best treatment for these pests, which include aphids, white flies, and thrips, is typically done with alternating treatment of neem oil and insecticidal soap. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026 Regularly monitor the plants for beetles and use methods such as hand-picking or insecticidal soap to control them. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026 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

Rhymes for insecticidal

See All Rhymes for insecticidal

Browse Nearby Words

insecti-
insecticidal
insecticide
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Cite this Entry

“Insecticidal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticidal. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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