1
a
: the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed
2
: a portion of a substance added during a process
3
: an amount of something likened to a prescribed or measured quantity of medicine
a daily dose of hard work
a dose of scandal
4
: a gonorrheal infection
dosed; dosing
1
: to give a dose to
especially
: to give medicine to
2
: to divide into doses
dose a medicine
3
: to treat with an application or agent
Examples of dose in a Sentence
Noun
I've been taking the same dose for five years.
a large dose of vitamin C
The drug is lethal even in small doses.
a large dose of sugar
a high dose of radiation
Her parents hoped a daily dose of hard work would keep her out of trouble.
He needs a good dose of reality.
Verb
Most patients are dosed at 50 milligrams per day.
Recent Examples on the Web
Reuters, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
While electronics for space exploration are typically required to endure radiation doses of 100 to 300 grays over three years, a robot operating in a nuclear reactor needs to endure more than 500 kGy over the course of six months, says Narukiyo—at least 1,000 times the dosage.
—Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026
Your out-of-pocket costs without insurance could range from around $199 per month to $449 per month, depending on the medication and dose your provider prescribes.
—Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dose
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The Directorate General of Health Services said unvaccinated children or those who have not completed the two-dose measles schedule face the greatest risk and that malnourished children are particularly prone to severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
—Reuters, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
While electronics for space exploration are typically required to endure radiation doses of 100 to 300 grays over three years, a robot operating in a nuclear reactor needs to endure more than 500 kGy over the course of six months, says Narukiyo—at least 1,000 times the dosage.
—Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
Consistency matters more than timing, but if treating a deficiency, follow a healthcare provider’s recommended dosing schedule.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026
Your out-of-pocket costs without insurance could range from around $199 per month to $449 per month, depending on the medication and dose your provider prescribes.
—Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dose
Cite this Entry
“Dose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dose. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dose
1 of 2 noun1
a
: the measured amount of a medicine to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation given or absorbed
2
: a portion of a substance added during a process
3
: an experience to which one is exposed
a dose of hard work
dose
2 of 2 verb
dosed; dosing
1
: to give medicine to
2
: to treat with something
Medical Definition
dose
1 of 2 noun1
a
: the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed
2
: a gonorrheal infection
dose
2 of 2 verb
dosed; dosing
1
: to divide (as a medicine) into doses
2
: to give a dose to
especially
: to give medicine to
3
: to treat with an application or agent
: to take medicine
he is forever dosing but he gets worse
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