weedkiller

Everyday

Weedkiller is a chemical that kills weeds, the unwanted wild plants growing in gardens, paths and fields. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety lessons, weedkiller is poisonous and must be kept locked away, out of reach of children and pets, and only used by adults. In science and environment lessons, pupils learn that some weedkillers can harm insects and wildlife, so some gardeners pull weeds by hand instead. Phrases: «spray weedkiller», «a bottle of weedkiller».

Examples

• Grandpa sprayed weedkiller on the path. tree →
• Keep the weedkiller locked in the shed. tree →
• Weedkiller is poisonous, so never touch it. tree →
• Some gardeners pull up weeds instead of using weedkiller. tree →
• Keep pets off the grass after the weedkiller is sprayed. tree →
• The bottle of weedkiller had a warning sign on it. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable, one word (also «weed killer»). Another name is «herbicide». Safety: never drink from or open unlabelled bottles; if someone swallows a chemical, call emergency services at once.