prescription drug

noun

Synonyms of prescription drugnext
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

Examples of prescription drug in a Sentence

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.
Those plans must cover essential health benefits, such as prescription drugs and mental health coverage. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Talarico said his plan will break up monopolies, lower medical debt, and lower prescription drug prices. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 Her death was ruled an accidental overdose involving multiple prescription drugs. — Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 Woods’ prescription drug history has been an early focus of the prosecution’s case. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prescription drug

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescription drug was in 1872

Rhymes for prescription drug

See All Rhymes for prescription drug

Browse Nearby Words

prescription
prescription drug
prescriptionist
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Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

prescription drug

noun
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

More from Merriam-Webster on prescription drug

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prescription drug

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