What does weedkiller mean?
A weedkiller is a substance or product used to destroy or suppress weeds, the unwanted plants that grow in gardens, lawns, fields, paths, and other places. The word is especially associated with chemical preparations, but it can also refer to non-chemical methods of controlling vegetation. In ordinary English, weedkiller is the accessible counterpart to the more technical term herbicide. A person might spray weedkiller on a driveway, apply it to a garden bed, or use it to clear vegetation around a building. Because many weedkillers are designed to harm living plants, they are often discussed in relation to safety, environmental impact, pets, children, and contamination of soil or water. The term is used in both British and American English and can sound informal compared with specialist agricultural or scientific vocabulary.
nounA substance used to destroy or suppress unwanted plants, especially weeds. The term most often refers to a chemical herbicide but can also refer to another weed-killing product or method.
- A substance used to destroy or suppress weeds and other unwanted plants.
"He sprayed weedkiller along the edge of the driveway."
"The garden was full of weeds, so she bought a weedkiller."
"Read the instructions carefully before using weedkiller near pets or water."
Used when referring to different weed-control products or to multiple quantities of the substance.
"The shop sells several weedkillers for gardens and paths."
Weedkiller is the plain-language counterpart of the more technical word herbicide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does weedkiller come from?
Weedkiller is an English compound formed from weed and killer, combining the target of the action with an agent noun. Weed derives from Old English wēod, while killer is built on the English verb kill. The compound reflects the straightforward idea of something used to kill weeds.
How weedkiller is actually used
Weedkiller is an everyday term commonly used in gardening, agriculture, and household contexts. It is less technical than herbicide, although in practice it usually denotes a chemical weed-control product.