ibuprofen

noun

ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən 

also ī-ˈbyü-prə-fən

: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C₁₃H₁₈O₂ used to relieve pain and fever

Examples of ibuprofen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other common painkillers, like ibuprofen, can reduce blood flow to the baby and lead to developmental issues. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs—including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve)—can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2026

Acetaminophen is a critical tool for physicians, the go-to drug to use during pregnancy because other commonly available painkillers, such as Advil (ibuprofen), and opioid medications can put a fetus at risk of kidney damage, preterm birth, or even stillbirth. —O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 16 Jan. 2026

Her fevers spiked to 102 degrees, so Sarah began alternating ibuprofen and Tylenol to keep them under control. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

is- + butyl + propionic acid + -fen (alteration of phenyl)

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ibuprofen

• gonadotrophin

Medical Definition

ibuprofen

noun

ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən 

: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C₁₃H₁₈O₂ used in over-the-counter preparations to relieve pain and fever and in prescription strength especially to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis see advil, motrin