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

Statewide data shows an average of about 32% of the total fatal overdoses in adults 55 and older included both stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine and an opioid. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Among adults 65 and older, overdose deaths from fentanyl mixed with stimulants — like cocaine and methamphetamines — have surged 9,000% in the last eight years, which matches rates among younger adults. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Instead of treats, this calendar is packed with a mix of exciting goodies like plush toys, kicker toys, balls and popular stimulants like catnip and silvervine to keep your kitty playful and merry. —Christine Persaud, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025

Take over-the-counter medicines like fiber supplements, stool softeners, lubricants, stimulants, or osmotic agents. —Korin Miller, SELF, 14 Oct. 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