prescription drug

noun

: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

Examples of prescription drug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unlike prescription drugs, supplements aren’t tightly regulated by the FDA. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025 But it was partially offset by the timing of distributor purchases of the drug and lower net pricing in the country, mainly due to changes to Medicare prescription drug plans. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025 The Food and Drug Administration regulates HIV prescription drugs, known as antiretroviral therapy, which are used to manage the virus that causes AIDS. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025 You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prescription drug

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescription drug was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

noun
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

More from Merriam-Webster on prescription drug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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