ibuprofen

noun

ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən How to pronounce ibuprofen (audio)
 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
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.
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and other pain-relieving medications, like Tylenol (acetaminophen), can also help reduce knee pain while walking. Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025 Relieve pain with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and itching with cortisone cream. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025 Markets last week resembled a roller coaster and by the time we were done riding, many of us needed some ibuprofen. Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 That same paperwork also provided a list of medications to avoid in the weeks leading up to the surgery; the big ones to note are multivitamins and ibuprofen. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ibuprofen

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ibuprofen was in 1967

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Cite this Entry

“Ibuprofen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ibuprofen. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

ibuprofen

noun
ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən How to pronounce ibuprofen (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ibuprofen

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