pesticide

noun

pes·​ti·​cide ˈpe-stə-ˌsīd How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
Synonyms of pesticidenext
: an agent used to destroy pests
pesticidal
ˌpe-stə-ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce pesticide (audio)
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.
Likewise, regenerative agriculture, which outlaws increasingly expensive synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, can help growers keep costs down. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 These areas have seen success with organic cultivation thanks to favorable soil conditions, low pesticide history and manageable pest pressure. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 The company’s new Aura software measures hive health, pollen counts, and pesticide prevalence across its 2,200 hives spread around more than 70 cities. — Drew Robb, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Many modern pesticides are non-toxic and formulated with plant oils such as lemongrass, cinnamon, and garlic. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing pesticide

Rhymes for pesticide

See All Rhymes for pesticide

Browse Nearby Words

pesthouse
pesticide
pestiferous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pesticide. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on pesticide

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pesticide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pesticide

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