stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

2

: stimulus

3

: an alcoholic beverage

—not used technically

stimulant adjective

Synonyms of stimulant

• incentive
• stimulus
• impetus
• encouragement
• motivation

Examples of stimulant in a Sentence

The movie was a stimulant to discussion.

the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers have found evidence that ancient humans chewed on betel nuts, a stimulant still widely used today. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

Energy drinks are not designed to treat dehydration and often contain sugar and stimulants that may worsen symptoms. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

And just as chemical stimulants such as caffeine and Adderall can interfere with sleep, so, too, can excessive meditation. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026

The former campaign manager gave law enforcement a nylon glove containing powder cocaine and a 20-milligram tablet of Adderall, a prescription stimulant that contains amphetamines. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts

a heart stimulant

2

: stimulus sense 1

stimulant adjective

Medical Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

2

: stimulus sense 2