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.
Trump told reporters on Sunday that his administration had cut the price of some prescription drugs by as much as 1,500 percent. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 The Trump administration does have another tool at its disposal to lower the cost of prescription drugs: Medicare drug pricing negotiations. Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 31 July 2025 Over 100 people have died while using the substance, a Tampa Bay Times investigation found, however many were using it alongside other drugs like fentanyl or prescription drugs used to treat anxiety and depression. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 Sharing prescription drugs, even just once and without payment, can be considered felony drug distribution under state law. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 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 21 Aug. 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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