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.
Cassidy's campaign has focused heavily on legislative wins and his influence in Washington, such as measures he's sponsored that have been signed by Trump like fighting against fentanyl addiction and lowering prescription drug prices. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 May 2026 The two divisions are responsible for regulating prescription drugs, including pills and vaccines. Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 16 May 2026 Two recent polls both found that a third of American adults have turned to LLMs for health information—to make sense of lab results, diagnose symptoms, research treatment options or inquire about prescription drugs. Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 15 May 2026 The most commonly reported were over-the-counter medications or supplements (about 6%), followed by prescription drugs (more than 5%) and CBD or cannabis (about 4%). The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 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 19 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

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

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