painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌki-lər 

variants or less commonly pain-killer

: something (such as a drug) that relieves pain

pain-killing

ˈpān-ˌki-liŋ 

adjective

or painkilling

Synonyms

• sedative
• analgesic
• tranquilizer
• tranquillizer

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

Global health authorities rejected the US government’s claim that the popular painkiller acetaminophen, better known as Tylenol in America, causes autism when taken during pregnancy. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025

Without the backing of clear scientific evidence, the Food and Drug Administration is moving to update drug labeling for the common painkiller to discourage pregnant women from taking it. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025

Key Takeaways Small doses of caffeine, such as those in common painkillers, can help relieve headache pain. —Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025

Restricting the one safe painkiller for use during pregnancy risks both unnecessary suffering and fetal damage. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for painkiller

• basilar
• distiller
• biller
• chiller
• driller
• filler
• hilar
• hiller
• killer
• pillar
• quiller
• siller

Kids Definition

painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌkil-ər 

: something (as a drug) that relieves pain

painkilling

-iŋ 

adjective

Medical Definition

painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er -ˌkil-ər 

: something (as a drug) that relieves pain

painkilling

-iŋ 

adjective