barbiturate

noun

bar·​bi·​tu·​rate bär-ˈbi-chə-rət 

-ˌrāt;

ˌbär-bə-ˈtyu̇r-ət,

-ˈtu̇r-,

-ˌāt 

 nonstandard  bär-ˈbi-chə-wət

1

: a salt or ester of barbituric acid

2

: any of various derivatives of barbituric acid (such as phenobarbital) that are used especially as sedatives, hypnotics, and antispasmodics and are often addictive

Examples of barbiturate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mae was a hoarder and a severe hypochondriac, who, despite Christian Science’s stricture against traditional medicine, took barbiturates daily for anxiety. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

To keep victims from remembering what happened, Ray gave them heavy barbiturates and other drugs that caused amnesia, according to authorities. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025

The test shows apparent negative results for the following substances: benzodiazepines, amphetamines, ecstasy, barbiturates, buprenorphine, cocaine, ketamine, methadone, meperidine, zolpidems, opiates, PCP, oxycodone, propoxyphene, cannabinoids, tramadol, ethanol, fentanyl and carisoprodol. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

At Gottlieb's behest, the CIA conducted experiments on and administered mind-altering substances, including barbiturates and LSD, to often unsuspecting individuals without their consent or knowledge. —Jessica Sager, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

barbiturate

noun

bar·​bit·​u·​rate

bär-ˈbich-ə-rət,

-ˌrāt,

ˌbär-bə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət,

-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r-ˌāt

: any of various drugs related to barbituric acid that are used especially to calm or to produce sleep and are often habit-forming

Medical Definition

barbiturate

noun

bar·​bi·​tu·​rate bär-ˈbich-ə-rət  -ˌrāt; ˌbär-bə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət 

-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r-ˌāt

1

: a salt or ester of barbituric acid

2

: any of various derivatives of barbituric acid (as phenobarbital) that are used especially as sedatives, hypnotics, and antispasmodics and are often addictive