minipill

noun mini·pill \ ˈmi-nē-ˌpil \

Definition of minipill

: a birth control pill that contains a very low dose of progesterone but no estrogen, is taken daily, and is intended to minimize side effects

Recent Examples of minipill from the Web

Just like with the minipill, the shot contains only the synthetic female hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation.

— rachel epstein, Marie Claire, "Behold: The Best Birth Control to Fix Your Terrible Period Cramps," 22 Dec. 2017
Adding too much to your body via birth control could suppress milk supply, Dr. Minkin says, so a doctor will likely steer you in the direction of something like an IUD or the progestin-only minipill.

— korin miller, SELF, "7 Signs an IUD Is Right for You—and 5 It Isn’t," 18 Jan. 2018
Then there are progestin-only forms of birth control, like the minipill, the implant, the contraceptive injection, and hormonal IUDs like Mirena.

— zahra barnes, SELF, "This Is Exactly What Happens During Your Menstrual Cycle," 23 Feb. 2018
The progestin-containing IUD, implant, shot or minipill all work well for this.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "I’m in my 40s, do I still need birth control?," 12 May 2017
Other great options which don’t contain the hormone estrogen include IUDs, implants, shots and minipills.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "I’m in my 40s, do I still need birth control?," 12 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minipill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of minipill

1968

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

minipill

noun mini·pill \ ˈmin-ē-ˌpil \

medical Definition of minipill

: a birth control pill that is intended to minimize side effects, contains a very low dose of a progestogen and especially norethindrone but no estrogen, and is taken daily