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

• 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

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the brain and the nervous system to increase alertness and delay fatigue. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 27 May 2025

Deaths declined in all major categories of drug use, stimulants as well as opioids, dropping in every state but two. —Jan Hoffman, New York Times, 15 May 2025

Long lasting damage or death could result from taking counterfeit medications, especially opioids and stimulants. —Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

But both parties stressed that chemical stimulants were no small part of the process. —Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 May 2025

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