weedkiller: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal in everyday contexts; technical in agricultural/horticultural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “weedkiller” mean?
A chemical substance used to kill unwanted plants (weeds).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical substance used to kill unwanted plants (weeds).
Any agent, method, or product designed to eliminate or control the growth of weeds; can be used metaphorically to describe something that suppresses unwanted growth or elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'weedkiller', but 'herbicide' is more common in formal/technical American English. 'Weed killer' (open compound) is a frequent variant in US English.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with domestic gardening. US: Slightly more commercial/agricultural connotation, though still common in home contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English; 'herbicide' is the dominant technical term in US agriscience.
Grammar
How to Use “weedkiller” in a Sentence
Apply [weedkiller] to [the patio]Spray [weedkiller] on [the weeds][This weedkiller] works against [broadleaf plants]Treat [the area] with [weedkiller]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weedkiller” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not standard as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – not standard as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A – not standard as an adjective.
American English
- N/A – not standard as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Marketing of garden products; agricultural supplies.
Academic
Environmental science discussions on chemical use; agriculture studies.
Everyday
Gardening conversations; home improvement stores.
Technical
Specific reference to chemical composition (e.g., 'glyphosate-based weedkiller') in agronomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weedkiller”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weedkiller”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weedkiller”
- Using as a verb (*'I will weedkiller the path' – incorrect). Correct: 'I will apply weedkiller to the path.'
- Confusing with 'pesticide' (which kills pests, not plants).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday language, yes. Technically, 'herbicide' is the broader scientific term; all weedkillers are herbicides, but not all herbicides are marketed as 'weedkillers' (some target specific plants in crops).
No, it's a noun. You 'apply,' 'spray,' or 'use' weedkiller. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I weedkillered the path') is non-standard.
A weedkiller (herbicide) targets plants. A pesticide targets pests (insects, fungi, rodents). They are different classes of agrochemicals.
Yes, 'weedkillers' can be used when referring to multiple types or brands (e.g., 'compare different weedkillers'). However, it's often used as an uncountable noun.
A chemical substance used to kill unwanted plants (weeds).
Weedkiller is usually neutral to informal in everyday contexts; technical in agricultural/horticultural contexts. in register.
Weedkiller: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwiːdˌkɪlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwiːdˌkɪlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Metaphorical: 'His criticism was a weedkiller for their enthusiasm.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: WEED (unwanted plant) + KILLER (something that kills) = a substance that kills weeds.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING AS PURGING (weeds as dirt/stain to be removed); CONTROL AS ELIMINATION.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most specific and formal for 'weedkiller'?