weed-killer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in gardening, agricultural, and commercial contexts.
Quick answer
What does “weed-killer” mean?
A chemical substance used to destroy unwanted plants (weeds).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical substance used to destroy unwanted plants (weeds).
Any substance, method, or device designed to eliminate unwanted vegetation; metaphorically, something that suppresses or removes undesirable elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK prefers hyphenated or solid form ('weed-killer'/'weedkiller'); US prefers open compound ('weed killer').
Connotations
Neutral in both; associated with domestic gardening and commercial agriculture.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, but the compound form differs.
Grammar
How to Use “weed-killer” in a Sentence
NP apply ~ to NP (garden, lawn)NP spray ~ on NP (path, drive)NP be treated with ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weed-killer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- We need a more powerful weed-killer solution for the bindweed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to products sold in gardening centers or for agricultural use.
Academic
Used in environmental science, agriculture, and chemistry discussions.
Everyday
Common in gardening conversations and DIY contexts.
Technical
Specific formulations (e.g., 'glyphosate-based weed-killer').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weed-killer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weed-killer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weed-killer”
- Using 'weed-killer' as a verb (*I need to weed-killer the garden). Correct: 'apply weed-killer to'.
- Confusing 'weed-killer' with 'pesticide' (which kills pests, not plants).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In UK English, it's often hyphenated (weed-killer) or written as one word (weedkiller). In US English, it's typically two words (weed killer).
Many chemical weed-killers can be harmful. Always check the label and consider pet-friendly alternatives.
'Herbicide' is the formal, technical term. 'Weed-killer' is the common, everyday term. 'Herbicide' encompasses all plant-killing chemicals, while 'weed-killer' specifically targets weeds.
No. It is a noun. You 'apply' or 'use' weed-killer. The verb form is 'to weed' or 'to treat with weed-killer'.
A chemical substance used to destroy unwanted plants (weeds).
Weed-killer is usually neutral to formal; common in gardening, agricultural, and commercial contexts. in register.
Weed-killer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwiːdˌkɪlər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwiːdˌkɪlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Be careful with that weed-killer—it's a necessary evil in the garden.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'KILLer of WEEDs' → weed-killer.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEED-KILLER IS A SOLDIER/WEAPON (fights, targets, eliminates unwanted plants).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct usage?