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.
In addition to pesticide regulation, Huerta’s recent activism in Sacramento centered on cuts to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as SNAP, or CalFresh in California. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Vinyl chloride — which is typically in a gas form — was used as a propellant for hair spray, spray paint and pesticide. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Means, along with his sister, came to prominence within the MAHA movement by arguing that ultraprocessed foods, additives and pesticides could be blamed for many of the chronic health conditions facing Americans. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Likewise, regenerative agriculture, which outlaws increasingly expensive synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, can help growers keep costs down. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 20 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 31 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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