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.
Trump this week also proposed new levies on some Canadian goods and prescription drugs and followed through with new tariffs on Brazil. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 23 July 2026 United’s Preferred Care Network Medicare Advantage plans provide health maintenance organization (HMO) plans with prescription drug coverage across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. — Michelle Marchante july 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 To address rising prescription drug costs, the FDA made a set of moves aimed squarely at drug prices. — Avik Roy, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Researchers at the California Healthcare Foundation say a large part of the problem is that hospital operating costs, prescription drug prices and doctor fees have been allowed to grow unchecked for decades. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 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

Rhymes for prescription drug

See All Rhymes for prescription drug

Browse Nearby Words

prescription
prescription drug
prescriptionist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prescription drug

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