exterminator

[ ik-stur-muh-ney-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that exterminates.
2. a person or business establishment specializing in the elimination of vermin, insects, etc., from a building, apartment, etc., especially by the controlled application of toxic chemicals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of exterminator¹

From the Late Latin word exterminātor, dating back to 1605–15. See extermine, -ator

Example Sentences

“Bees are still wild animals” but nothing to call an exterminator for, Durboraw said.

From Los Angeles Times

The department also said that its own inspection this week did not reveal any black worms, and that the jail maintains a contract with an exterminator.

From Los Angeles Times

A man posing as a pest exterminator tried to gain access to a San Diego hotel that operates as a shelter for migrant families.

From New York Times

The bogus exterminator was James O’Keefe, the right wing-provocateur who used to head Project Veritas, a group known for trying to entrap political opponents by using disguises and concealed cameras.

From New York Times

Last weekend, in the country, I had a run-in with a bunch of winged creatures — wasps, I decided, based on the scientific description I found on an exterminator’s website: “Generally speaking, wasps are much scarier looking than bees.”

From New York Times

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