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.
The state improperly billed for services such as mental health and addiction services, prescription drugs and dental care. Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025 The national conversation around prescription drug pricing is back in full force. Wendy Barnes, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 The federal agency recommends people who get traditional Medicare should also enroll in Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025 The survey found that 68 percent of seniors support replacing the CPI-W with the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), which measures inflation based on the spending habits of Americans aged 62 and older, with a heavier focus on health care, housing and prescription drugs. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 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 11 Sep. 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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