laudanum

noun

lau·​da·​num ˈlȯd-nəm 

ˈlȯ-də-nəm

1

: any of various formerly used preparations of opium

2

: a tincture of opium

Examples of laudanum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

You just got told to take some laudanum and go to the baths. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

Harvey Vaile had commissioned the house for his wife but never finished settling in, abandoning designs for the top floor after Sophia Vaile fatally overdosed on laudanum while Harvey was on trial. — Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026

When Wolfgang overdoses on laudanum, however, Anna Marie performed disguised as Wolfgang donning a dramatic red costume and face paint, captivating the court and drawing the envy of Mozart’s greatest rival, Antonio Salieri. — John Hopewell, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026

One of the novel’s quietly devastating moments comes when Branwell, in the middle of one of his cycles of resolve, tells Emily he is done with laudanum and alcohol. — Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for laudanum

• duodenum

Kids Definition

laudanum

noun

lau·​da·​num ˈlȯd-nəm 

-ᵊn-əm

: a formerly used preparation of opium

Medical Definition

laudanum

noun

lau·​da·​num ˈlȯd-nəm, -ᵊn-əm 

1

: any of various formerly used preparations of opium

2

: a tincture of opium