English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun

herbicide

HUR-bi-syde

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Herbicide (noun) means a substance used to kill plants. Example: “The farmer sprayed herbicide along the edges of the field to control weeds.”

noun

1

A substance used to kill plants.

"The farmer sprayed herbicide along the edges of the field to control weeds."

"This herbicide is designed to kill broadleaf weeds without harming grass."

"Overusing herbicide can damage nearby crops as well as the weeds."

How to use herbicide

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA herbicide is a chemical people use to kill unwanted plants.

When to use it

Herbicide is a neutral, technical term used in gardening, farming and chemistry rather than casual speech.

Memory tip

Herbicide and its homophone urbicide sound alike in accents that drop the h, but they mean completely different things.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

urbicide

Common pairings

spray herbicide apply herbicide herbicide resistance herbicide use

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “herbicide” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The farmer sprayed _____ along the edges of the field to control weeds.

Etymology

Herbicide is formed within English from herb and the suffix -icide, which is used to build words naming substances or acts that kill.

Origin: English

Synonyms

phytocide

Rhymes for herbicide

ide tide hide ride wide side bide aide elide amide abide slide

See all rhymes for herbicide →

Frequently asked questions

What is a herbicide?

A herbicide is a substance used to kill plants, typically unwanted ones such as weeds.

What is another word for herbicide?

Phytocide is used as another term for herbicide, and weedkiller is a related, narrower term for herbicides aimed at weeds.

Is herbicide the same as pesticide?

Not exactly. Herbicide refers specifically to a substance that kills plants, while pesticide is a broader term for substances used against pests in general.

What is the meaning of herbicide?

"herbicide" (noun) means a substance used to kill plants.