laxative

1 of 2

adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sə-tiv 

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation

laxative

2 of 2

noun

: a usually mild laxative drug

Examples of laxative in a Sentence

Noun

The doctor prescribed a laxative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As the ingredient is high in fiber, eating a large amount can have a laxative effect, says Salazar. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026

The glycinate form won’t cause the laxative effect that’s common with other types. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Noun

Luckily, laxatives like Dulcolax are engineered to work both on- and off-world. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026

For extra help, Gupta says most people are OK to use a gentle laxative or stool softener. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxativus, from Latin laxatus, past participle of laxare to loosen, from laxus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

: tending to relieve constipation

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation compare purgative

Medical Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

1

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : relieving constipation

2

: lax sense 2

laxatively adverb

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild laxative drug