pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
: 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.
In addition, untreated sewage commonly contains potentially hazardous compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and biocides, a category including pesticides and antiseptics. Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025 Avoid using pesticides and herbicides as much as possible, especially broad-spectrum products. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 June 2025 Chemical pesticides and herbicides involved in lawn care can carry their own set of risks, especially when airborne, Policastro cautioned. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025 It's often used to confirm that food was grown without toxic pesticides and chemicals, and doesn't have things like growth hormones or GMOs, in order to label it as organic food. Nena Farrell, Wired News, 10 June 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 19 Jun. 2025.

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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