Abstract A sensitive and selective method for detecting nonylphenol (NP) was established based on β-cyclodextrin/ionic liquid composite electrode (β-CD/nano-CILPE). The electrochemical performance of the modified electrode was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The β-CD/ionic liquid composite not only realized specific recognition of NP through host-guest inclusion of β-CD, but also offered high conductivity and plentiful surface active sites to amplify electrochemical signals. The electrochemical reaction process of NP at the β-CD/nano-CILPE was dominated by adsorption. After 60 s of accumulation at open-circuit potential, the β-CD/nano-CILPE exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity for NP. The developed sensor demonstrated a wide linear range (5 nM - 500 μM) and a low detection limit of 1 nM. The designed sensor displayed excellent reproducibility, favorable stability and an easily renewable electrode surface. The established method could be used to detect NP in lake water, and spike recoveries ranged from 90.8% to 98.8%.