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

Ritalin is a stimulant that is prescribed to treat attention-defecit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). —Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Kratom has been used in low doses as a stimulant or brewed into tea. —Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025

That has raised concerns for the producers of recreational stimulants like alcohol and tobacco. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025

In the first large-scale real-world study of its kind, researchers have found that caffeine isn't just a stimulant but can significantly improve mood under certain conditions – especially in the morning. —New Atlas, 24 Aug. 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