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.
Colorado finally has federal permission to start importing cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, but the state may not have any sellers to work with. Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 16 June 2026 This is due to several factors, including unmet mental health needs, access to firearms and prescription drugs, and societal strain. Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 For instance, prices for some goods fell for the first time in 14 months, with new vehicles, household furniture and prescription drugs among the categories posting declines last month, said EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco in an email. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 10 June 2026 In today’s deeply partisan America, few issues unite voters across the aisle — but prescription drug pricing reform is one of them. Chicago Tribune, 2 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

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

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