diphenhydramine

noun

di·​phen·​hy·​dra·​mine ˌdī-ˌfen-ˈhī-drə-ˌmēn 

: an antihistamine C₁₇H₂₁NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride

Examples of diphenhydramine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the active ingredient in Unisom, a common sleep aid for insomnia that works similarly to diphenhydramine. —Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025

When used in high doses, diphenhydramine, an ingredient in Benadryl, functions as a deliriant, a hallucinogenic class of drugs, which appear to be becoming increasingly popular among young people for nonmedical purposes. —Fin Carter, Wired News, 17 Nov. 2025

In fact, some evidence suggests honey may be more effective than over-the-counter medications like diphenhydramine, noted Hill.7 That’s why, Manaker added, swallowing a spoonful of honey—on its own or stirred into warm water—before bed may lead to a more restful sleep. —Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 20 Oct. 2025

By contrast, drowsy formulas containing diphenhydramine don’t interact with caffeine in this way. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diphenhydramine

• aminophylline
• azathioprine
• chlorpheniramine
• cholestyramine
• cryptocrystalline
• hydroxyproline
• intercrystalline
• microcrystalline
• monocrystalline
• nanocrystalline
• neuroendocrine
• phthalocyanine

Medical Definition

diphenhydramine

noun

di·​phen·​hy·​dra·​mine ˌdī-ˌfen-ˈhī-drə-ˌmēn 

: an antihistamine used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₇H₂₁NO·HCl to treat allergy symptoms and motion sickness and to induce sleep see benadryl