sleeping pill

noun

: a drug and especially a barbiturate that is taken as a tablet or capsule to induce sleep

Examples of sleeping pill 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.
For better sleep, many of us turn to sleep-tracking apps, therapeutic techniques or medications and supplements like sleeping pills or melatonin. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 Garland died in 1969, of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills, but the tragedy did not hamper Minnelli’s ascent. Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026 Wilson said, from his experience, the footballers turning to sleeping pills were often those with niggling injuries. Tom Burrows, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026 Brandes drank alcohol and took sleeping pills, according to trial accounts described by CBS News, before Meiwes cut off his genitals with Brandes’ consent. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleeping pill

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleeping pill was in 1664

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Cite this Entry

“Sleeping pill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeping%20pill. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

sleeping pill

noun
: a drug that is taken as a tablet or capsule to bring on sleep

Medical Definition

sleeping pill

noun
: a drug and especially a barbiturate that is taken as a tablet or capsule to induce sleep

called also sleeping tablet

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