herbicide

noun

her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
Synonyms of herbicidenext
: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
herbicidal adjective
herbicidally adverb

Examples of herbicide 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 employee failed to clean the equipment and sprayed a mixture of herbicide and the fertilizer on the greens. Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026 Using common household products like Epsom salt as a weed killer appeals to many people who want to avoid synthetic herbicides and garden more sustainably. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026 Avoiding herbicides preserves the soil benefits dandelions provide, keeps early-season nectar available and eliminates the largest environmental downsides. Ryan Brennan may 1, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026 The herbicides commonly used to remove dandelions come with a serious cost. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for herbicide

Word History

Etymology

Latin herba + International Scientific Vocabulary -cide

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herbicide was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Herbicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbicide. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

herbicide

noun
her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
: a chemical substance used to destroy or stop plant growth
herbicidal adjective

Medical Definition

herbicide

noun
her·​bi·​cide ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce herbicide (audio)
: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
herbicidal adjective
herbicidally adverb
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