painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌki-lər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
variants or less commonly pain-killer
: something (such as a drug) that relieves pain
pain-killing adjective
or painkilling

Examples of painkiller in a Sentence

I took some over-the-counter painkillers for my headache. after her oral surgery, she was given a prescription for a mild painkiller
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.
The pain has been minimal and she's been able to mostly avoid heavy painkillers, while expressing how impressive and compassionate medical professionals at the hospital have been. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 24 July 2025 Rutherford alleged that Butler was selling large amounts of marijuana, prescription painkillers and steroids, as well as C-4 plastic explosive. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 22 July 2025 Or that key medicines have come from ocean discoveries, like a painkiller found in a sea snail? Berly McCoy, NPR, 21 July 2025 The prescriptions included promethazine with codeine and oxycodone, a powerful opioid painkiller with a high risk of addiction and abuse, court documents show. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for painkiller

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of painkiller was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painkiller. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

painkiller

noun
pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌkil-ər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
: something (as a drug) that relieves pain
painkilling adjective

Medical Definition

painkiller

noun
pain·​kill·​er -ˌkil-ər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
: something (as a drug) that relieves pain
painkilling adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on painkiller

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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