dispensary

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​ry di-ˈspen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce dispensary (audio)
plural dispensaries
: a place where medicine or medical or dental treatment is dispensed

Examples of dispensary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the Upland decision involved a licensing fee on marijuana dispensaries, a 2019 San Francisco Superior Court applied it to commercial rent tax and gross receipts tax measures. Marc Joffe, Mercury News, 16 July 2025 In metro Detroit, Gage dispensaries in Detroit and Ferndale will close, along with a Cookies dispensary in Detroit and cultivation facilities in Warren and Harrison Township. Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 8 July 2025 Marijuana: How soon will medical marijuana dispensaries open in Kentucky? Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 The law increases access to medical cannabis for patients, clarifies regulatory obligations for dispensaries, and refines how cannabis may be prescribed and administered. Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispensary

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispensary was in 1699

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispensary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispensary. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dispensary

noun
dis·​pen·​sa·​ry dis-ˈpen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce dispensary (audio)
plural dispensaries
: a place where medical or dental aid is given

Medical Definition

dispensary

noun
dis·​pen·​sa·​ry dis-ˈpen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce dispensary (audio)
plural dispensaries
: a place where medicine or medical or dental treatment is dispensed

More from Merriam-Webster on dispensary

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