pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
Synonyms of pesticidenext
: an agent used to destroy pests
pesticidal adjective

Examples of pesticide 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.
Several marijuana products sold by a single company to dispensaries across Colorado have potentially unsafe pesticides that exceed the legal limits, state health and business regulators said in a health advisory on Wednesday. Austen Erblat, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025 Climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and invasive honeybees threaten their survival. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025 Household Hazardous Waste includes items such as paint, motor oil, and pesticides. Michelle Sund, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025 However, deforestation, along with climate change and pesticides, are some of the many challenges the insect species faces. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pesticide

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pesticide was circa 1925

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesticide. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

pesticide

noun
pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: a substance used to destroy pests
pesticidal
ˌpes-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

pesticide

noun
pes·​ti·​cide ˈpes-tə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy pests
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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