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.
Harder’s priorities include cutting health care costs, including how much people pay for prescription drugs like insulin, and to repeal gas taxes in Washington and California. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026 Healthcare is a key area for bipartisan solutions—reviving rural hospitals, improving access, lowering prescription drug costs, and reducing insurance premiums benefit all Texans. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 About 90 individuals a month get free prescription drugs under that partnership. Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 As a result, a patient’s full regimen — including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and dietary supplements — is not always visible at the point of care. Mark A. Munger, STAT, 13 Feb. 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 18 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

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

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