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

In 2022, the top five stimulants totaled 987,957 prescriptions. —Alex Klancko, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine are the two active components of kratom, which is sourced from trees in Southeast Asia and is a stimulant in low doses and a sedative in high doses, according to a fact sheet from the Drug Enforcement Administration. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Methamphetamine and amphetamine are synthetic stimulants, while 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine are major psychoactive ingredients found in kratom, a supplement that can be used as a stimulant. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026

The plant is a stimulant and was previously an ingredient in some weight-loss and energy supplements. —Kirstyn Hill, Health, 20 Jan. 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