citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈne-lə 
: a lemon-scented grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields an oil used in perfumery and as an insect repellent
also
: its oil
Examples of citronella in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rodent Deterrent Essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and cinnamon are often included in natural deterrents to repel mice and other rodents.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2024
These include citronella and a few other geranium varieties, marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender and lantana.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024
Ditch the bug spray and citronella candles—these blankets keep mosquitos, ticks, and flies at bay
July 12, 2024
All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 12 July 2024
And a study in Israel reported that a citronella formulation was effective as a repellent against them.
—Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for citronella 
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2024
These include citronella and a few other geranium varieties, marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender and lantana.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024
Ditch the bug spray and citronella candles—these blankets keep mosquitos, ticks, and flies at bay
July 12, 2024
All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 12 July 2024
And a study in Israel reported that a citronella formulation was effective as a repellent against them.
—Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for citronella
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'citronella.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near citronella
Cite this Entry
“Citronella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citronella. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə
: a lemon-scented oil obtained from a grass of southern Asia and used in perfumes and as an insect repellent
Medical Definition
citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la
ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə
1
2
: a fragrant grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields citronella oil
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