prescription drug

noun

: 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.
Nearly half of the plans do not cover outpatient prescription drugs and 40% do not cover mental health services, according to KFF. Peter Whoriskey The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 16 Nov. 2025 The Republican wants to lower prescription drug costs, as did Democratic President Joe Biden. Josh Boak, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2025 Cocaine and prescription drugs were her substances of choice. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025 An official source of drug information Black box warnings for particular medications appear on the product package inserts that the FDA requires pharmaceutical companies to create for each prescription drug. C. Michael White, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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