aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈa-sp(ə-)rən 

plural aspirin or aspirins

1

: a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.

Recent Examples on the Web

The bruising on the back of his hand was caused by frequent handshaking and aspirin, the White House previously said. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025

Make all medical care free and accessible to everyone, except executives of existing health insurance and HMO companies, who must pay full price for everything, including the $16 tab of aspirin. —Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025

An herbal analogue to aspirin can be made from decocting the bark of a willow tree into tea. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025

Shilajit may interact with hormonal medications, chemotherapy, and aspirin. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from acetyl + spiraeic acid (former name of salicylic acid), from New Latin Spiraea, genus of shrubs — more at spirea

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

1

: a white drug used as a remedy for pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Medical Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

plural aspirin or aspirins

1

: a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin