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

Injectables and biologics are driving growth The golden age of oral blockbuster pills like Lipitor or aspirin is giving way to complex biologics, monoclonal antibodies and genetic therapies like Keytruda and Dupixent. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026

Their glorious half century was brought to an end in a roundabout way by a thin scale of soft metal about the size of an aspirin, found in a whitewater stream in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada on January 24, 1848. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026

Felix Hoffmann, a German chemist working for Bayer, successfully synthesized a pure, stable form of acetylsalicylic acid, better known as aspirin. — USA Today, 28 July 2026

The medication is not appropriate for everyone, including people with aspirin allergies, certain medical conditions, pregnant women or some children. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026

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