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.
The researchers hope that in the future it will be used to identify counterfeit perfumes, detect pesticide contamination in olive oil, and offer better quality control across agriculture in general. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026 These plants were grown without herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Blakespear said the definition was broad enough to encompass a wide range of heavy industrial uses, including chemical, plastics and pesticide manufacturing and strip mining. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 To protect the bees, no pesticides are used on the property, and the project helps support native populations, which encourages the biodiversity of endemic plant life. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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