minoxidil

noun

mi·​nox·​i·​dil mə-ˈnäk-sə-ˌdil 

: a peripheral vasodilator C₉H₁₅N₅O used orally to treat hypertension and topically in a propylene glycol solution to promote hair regrowth in male-pattern baldness

Examples of minoxidil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, some research has shown that rosemary oil shows similar results to minoxidil, a popular hair loss treatment, after using the essential oil for six months. —Erika Reals, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026

Another meta-analysis showed that people who used topical minoxidil for several months grew significantly more new hairs than people who didn’t. —Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026

Unlike medical treatments such as minoxidil, microblading does not alter disease progression and will not treat the biological causes of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, and scalp inflammation. —Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026

Skipping Medications for Pre- and Post-Op Care Medications like minoxidil and finasteride help stabilize hair loss before your transplant. —Will Jones, Kansas City Star, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from amino + oxi- (alteration of oxy-) + piperidine + -yl

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

minoxidil

noun

min·​ox·​i·​dil min-ˈäk-sə-ˌdil 

: a peripheral vasodilator C₉H₁₅N₅O used orally to treat hypertension and topically in a propylene glycol solution to promote hair regrowth especially in male-pattern baldness see loniten, rogaine