steroid

noun

ste·​roid ˈster-ˌȯid 

also

ˈstir- 

plural steroids

: any of various compounds containing a 17-carbon 4-ring system and including the sterols and numerous hormones (such as anabolic steroids or corticosteroids) and glycosides

ACTH travels in the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex and causes the release of steroids.

—Lester Grinspoon et al.

asthma and COPD treated with synthetic steroids

often, specifically : anabolic steroid

an athlete taking/using steroids

a steroid user

Their … reporting triggered a national wake-up call about steroid use that led to congressional hearings, and, at long last, steroid testing in baseball.

—Rick Reilly

see also steroid hormone

steroid adjective

or steroidal

stə-ˈrȯi-dᵊl 

see also:

on steroids

Examples of steroid in a Sentence

He was accused of taking steroids.

Recent Examples on the Web

My doctors gave me six or seven rounds of steroids in less than two months to try to calm things down. — Victoria Ekwenuke, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2026

As a result, her four-year suspension stemming from a positive test for the steroids boldenone and nandrolone remained intact. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026

If you’re currently prescribed a topical steroid, for example, your provider may be able to switch you to a milder option. — Ayana Byrd, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026

Because long-term steroid use can cause side effects, healthcare providers generally try to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary sterol + -oid

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing steroid

• anabolic steroid
• steroid hormone

Rhymes for steroid

• alloyed
• android
• annoyed
• avoid
• convoyed
• crinoid
• cuboid
• cycloid
• decoyed
• deployed
• dermoid
• destroyed

Kids Definition

steroid

noun

ste·​roid ˈstir-ˌȯid  ˈster- 

: any of various chemical compounds that include numerous hormones (as estrogen and testosterone) compare anabolic steroid

Medical Definition

steroid

noun

ste·​roid ˈsti(ə)r-ˌȯid 

also

ˈste(ə)r- 

: any of numerous natural or synthetic compounds containing a 17-carbon 4-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides see anabolic steroid

steroid adjective

or steroidal

stə-ˈrȯid-ᵊl