herbicide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “herbicide” mean?
A substance used to destroy unwanted plants, especially weeds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance used to destroy unwanted plants, especially weeds.
A chemical agent or biological preparation used to kill or inhibit the growth of specific plant species, employed in agriculture, forestry, and landscape management. It can refer to selective (targeting specific plants) or non-selective (killing all vegetation) agents.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are identical. Usage contexts are the same, though specific brand names and regulatory discussions may differ.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong connotations related to industrial agriculture, environmental debate, and chemical use. It is often contrasted with 'organic' methods.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the scale of industrial agriculture, but it is a standard term in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “herbicide” in a Sentence
N + V: The herbicide kills/controls/destroys weeds.V + N: apply/spray/use a herbicideAdj + N: a potent/selective/persistent herbicideN + Prep: herbicide for (lawns), herbicide against (broadleaf weeds), resistance to herbicideVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “herbicide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No direct verb form. Use 'apply herbicide' or 'treat with herbicide'.]
American English
- [No direct verb form. Use 'spray herbicide' or 'use herbicide'.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- The herbicide spray drift damaged the neighbouring organic crop.
- Herbicide resistance is a major concern for farmers.
American English
- The herbicide application schedule was strictly followed.
- Herbicide runoff can contaminate waterways.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussing agricultural product sales, crop yield management, and regulatory compliance.
Academic
In environmental science, agriculture, and chemistry papers discussing toxicity, resistance, and ecological impact.
Everyday
In gardening discussions or news reports about farming or environmental pollution.
Technical
Specifying modes of action (e.g., 'systemic herbicide'), application rates, and resistance management strategies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “herbicide”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “herbicide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “herbicide”
- Mispronunciation: stressing the second syllable (her-BI-cide). Correct stress is on the first syllable.
- Using as a verb: 'They herbicided the field.' (Incorrect). Correct: 'They applied herbicide to the field.'
- Confusion with 'pesticide' (general) vs. 'herbicide' (plants only).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'weedkiller' is a common synonym, but 'herbicide' is the more formal, technical term and can refer to agents targeting any plant, not just weeds.
No, 'herbicide' is strictly a noun. The action is described with verbs like 'apply', 'spray', or 'use' with 'herbicide'.
A selective herbicide is designed to kill specific types of plants (e.g., broadleaf weeds but not grass), while a non-selective herbicide (like glyphosate) will kill or damage most plants it contacts.
The 'h' is pronounced, unlike in the word 'herb' (plant) in American English where the 'h' is silent. In 'herbicide', both British and American English pronounce the 'h' (/ˈhɜː.bɪ.saɪd/ and /ˈhɝː.bə.saɪd/).
A substance used to destroy unwanted plants, especially weeds.
Herbicide is usually technical, formal, academic in register.
Herbicide: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɜː.bɪ.saɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɝː.bə.saɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember HERB (plant) + CIDE (killing, as in homicide, suicide). It's a plant-killer.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEED IS AN ENEMY / PLANT IS A DISEASE (Herbicide is a weapon/medicine).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a 'herbicide' primarily used for?