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.
More than 300,000 people have died from opioid prescription drug overdoses and millions more became addicted. Craig R. McCoy, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Passed as part of the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, the federal government is now instituting strict price controls on prescription drugs accessed through Medicare. Elaine Parker, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026 The prescription drug prices on the site, however, are only available to patients who are uninsured, or whose insurance doesn't cover it, and who must pay the full list price out of pocket. Olivia Rinaldi, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 Facing competitive reelection races this fall, Collins and Sullivan sided with Democrats on amendments to lower the cost of groceries, energy, healthcare, and prescription drugs, as well as to boost school meal programs and food stamps. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 23 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

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

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