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.
The species was on the endangered list for nearly four decades – from 1970 to 2009 – because of exposure to the pesticide DDT, and they’re still protected. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 State lawmakers in Georgia and North Dakota have passed bills that would protect pesticide manufacturers from the same kind of legal liability that held Bayer responsible for Barnes’ cancer. John Klar, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2025 School employees discovered pesticides on school buildings, grass fields, playground equipment, picnic benches and sidewalks. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025 Organic dog food is made using produce free from harmful pesticides and meat raised without antibiotic use. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 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 2 May. 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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