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

The animal also received supportive care, including steroids, to address inflammation and weakness. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026

Veterinarians amputated part of the tegu's tongue and gave it steroids. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026

The department says vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, but Kennedy has also focused on unconventional treatments, including vitamin A, a steroid and an antibiotic. —Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

In court, Wenger has accused prosecutors of targeting him for attempting to expose wrongdoing at the Antioch police department, but two juries convicted him of felonious crimes, including steroid distribution and conspiracy to violate civil rights. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 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
• centroid
• convoyed
• 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