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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Water your citronella plant whenever the soil is dry to the touch. 
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2022 This basic citronella candle can be customized to match any outdoor ambiance. Averi Baudler, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2022 This basic citronella candle can be customized to match any outdoor ambiance. Averi Baudler, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2022 Luckily, an internet friend told me about Kinfield’s Golden Hour, a DEET-free bug spray that uses Indonesian citronella to keep mosquitos away. Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, 23 July 2021 Don’t forget repellent spray and citronella candles. Marc Bona, cleveland, 27 June 2021 Forget the bugs and pests, these warm nights are too good not to enjoy-especially if we're properly stocked on the best citronella candles out there. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 June 2021 Want to take your citronella candles to new heights? Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 12 May 2021 This basic citronella candle can be customized to match any outdoor ambiance. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2020 See More
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2022 This basic citronella candle can be customized to match any outdoor ambiance. Averi Baudler, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2022 This basic citronella candle can be customized to match any outdoor ambiance. Averi Baudler, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2022 Luckily, an internet friend told me about Kinfield’s Golden Hour, a DEET-free bug spray that uses Indonesian citronella to keep mosquitos away. Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, 23 July 2021 Don’t forget repellent spray and citronella candles. Marc Bona, cleveland, 27 June 2021 Forget the bugs and pests, these warm nights are too good not to enjoy-especially if we're properly stocked on the best citronella candles out there. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 June 2021 Want to take your citronella candles to new heights? Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 12 May 2021 This basic citronella candle can be customized to match any outdoor ambiance. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from French citronnelle lemon balm, from citron
First Known Use
circa 1858, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
citronella
noun
cit·ro·nel·la ˌsi-trə-ˈnel-ə
1
: citronella oil
2
: a fragrant grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields citronella oil