herbicide

American  

[hur-buh-sahyd, ur-] / ˈhɜr bəˌsaɪd, ˈɜr- /

noun

1. a substance or preparation for killing plants, especially weeds.

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herbicide British  

/ ˈhɜːbɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a chemical that destroys plants, esp one used to control weeds

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herbicide Scientific  

/ hûr′bĭ-sīd′,ûr′- /

1. A pesticide used to kill weeds. Paraquat is a herbicide.

2. Compare fungicide insecticide rodenticide

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Other Word Forms

• herbicidal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of herbicide

First recorded in 1895–1900; herb + -i- + -cide

Explanation

A chemical that's used on lawns or gardens to kill weeds is an herbicide. When herbicides are used on food crops, they target unwanted plants but leave the crops unharmed. Some towns and cities have banned certain herbicides, fearing that they're not safe for humans, pets, and other animals. In many instances, herbicides are seen as a necessity for growing large crops or controlling invasive weeds that threaten structures as well as lawns and gardens. The word herbicide comes from the Latin roots herba, "grass, turf, or vegetation," and the suffix -cide, "killer."

Example Sentences

Then came the 1970s, and a new technology arrived: the herbicide glyphosate, created by Monsanto.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Bayer recently developed an herbicide called Icafolin, due to be released in Brazil in 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

A group of residents is demanding answers from Orange County officials about herbicide spraying in waterways.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Also included in the order was the same protection to producers of glyphosate, an herbicide used in agricultural production, which relies on phosphorus as a “crucial precursor element” in its manufacturing.

From Salon • Mar. 2, 2026

But Americans pronounce the h in herbaceous, herbicide, and herbivore.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• insecticide
• pesticide