metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən 

: a drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C₄H₁₁N₅·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes

Examples of metformin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But comparing patients on GLP-1 drugs with patients taking the diabetes drug metformin showed no clear reduction in cancer risk. — Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation, 13 July 2026

In addition to treating diabetes, metformin can support weight loss, help manage the insulin resistance associated with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), and may benefit heart health. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 6 July 2026

Medications such as metformin and spironolactone have helped address several symptoms, including weight gain and excess body hair, while dietary changes, such as eating more protein and healthy fats, also played an important role in improving her overall well-being. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

Certain medications, including metformin and GLP-1s, can also help reduce the risk of diabetes, Goddard added. — Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

methyl + -formin (as in phenformin, an earlier antidiabetic drug)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metformin

• longshoreman
• longshoremen
• corpsman
• corpsmen
• foreman
• foremen
• mormon
• warman

Medical Definition

metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən 

: an antidiabetic drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C₄H₁₁N₅·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes in patients unresponsive to or intolerant of approved sulfonylurea drugs

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing metformin include Glucophage, Glucovance, Invokamet, Janumet, Jentadueto, and Kombiglyze.