attractant

noun

at·​trac·​tant ə-ˈtrak-tənt How to pronounce attractant (audio)
: a substance (such as a pheromone) that attracts specific animals (such as insects or individuals of the opposite sex)

Examples of attractant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Two other prime mosquito attractants are bare skin and dark clothes. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 The wildlife department said black bears can be found throughout the state and urged residents to follow these rules to prevent attacks: Remove potential wildlife attractants from your yard. Francisco Guzman, USA TODAY, 2 July 2023 Get the Attention of Post-Rut Bucks A container of long-lasting, weather-resistant doe estrous deer attractant placed crosswind to your stand can be a late-season difference-maker. 47. Outdoor Life, 19 Nov. 2019 The importance of the face as an attractant is underscored by the lengths to which humans in various cultures go to embellish what is already there. James Shreeve, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 According to Markowski, mosquito traps with carbon dioxide attractants are the most effective, as carbon dioxide is the primary cue that attracts mosquitoes. Kate Oczypok, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2023 Disposable Fly Trap always use some form of attractant, such as light or bait, to lure insects into the container. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2023 Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. CBS News, 3 Oct. 2023 And when the attractant in question is not only the landowner’s primary source of income but also the state’s second-biggest export, that complicates things. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 28 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attractant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attractant was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near attractant

Cite this Entry

“Attractant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attractant. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

attractant

noun
at·​trac·​tant ə-ˈtrak-tənt How to pronounce attractant (audio)
: something that attracts
especially : a substance that attracts animals (as insects)

More from Merriam-Webster on attractant

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