ibuprofen

noun

ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən 

 also  ī-ˈbyü-prə-fən

: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C₁₃H₁₈O₂ used to relieve pain and fever

Examples of ibuprofen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can induce sweating as your body breaks a fever. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 7 July 2025

Always speak with your child’s health care provider before giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 4 July 2025

Take over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as needed. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 26 June 2025

Behavioral therapy for pain Many adults think nothing of taking medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for minor aches and pains, but there’s little evidence that pharmacologic treatments work best for children’s chronic pain. —Natoshia R. Cunningham, The Conversation, 4 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

is- + butyl + propionic acid + -fen (alteration of phenyl)

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ibuprofen

• gonadotrophin

Medical Definition

ibuprofen

noun

ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən 

: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C₁₃H₁₈O₂ used in over-the-counter preparations to relieve pain and fever and in prescription strength especially to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis see advil, motrin