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

Mifepristone’s safety is on par with those of common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, studies show. —Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

Other pain- and fever-reducing medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, carry risks during pregnancy, and acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug approved to treat fevers during pregnancy. —Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 23 Sep. 2025

Other common pain relief options such as ibuprofen and regular-dose aspirin can increase the risk of serious complications during pregnancy. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 23 Sep. 2025

Acetaminophen remains widely recommended because aspirin carries a risk of Reye’s syndrome and ibuprofen isn’t considered safe later in pregnancy. —Tribune News Service, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025

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