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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.
The actress died from a mix of the opioid fentanyl with prescription drugs. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026 Lindsay was also prescribed an escalating number of prescription drugs. — Ross Douthat, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 In 69% of prescription drug labels, reporters found a generic drug manufacturer’s DUNS number and were able to directly connect it to a specific facility. — Naisha Roy, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2026 The Golden State ranked third in the United States for prescription drug coverage, and fifth nationally for senior healthcare costs. — Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 23 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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