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.
At a press conference in late 2025, federal officials made some big claims about leucovorin, a prescription drug usually reserved for people on cancer chemotherapy. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026 With dozens of lobbyists filling the room, a House panel Wednesday approved a proposal aimed at lowering prescription drug prices in Florida. News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026 PBMs serve as intermediaries between insurers, drug manufacturers, and pharmacies and have faced strong criticism for their role in setting prescription drug lists and prices. Sophie Brams, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2026 The framework seeks to slash prescription drug prices by 80% to 90% and send money directly to consumers to buy insurance, rather than subsidizing insurance companies. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 16 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!