ad·dict
ˈa-(ˌ)dikt 
plural addicts
1
: one exhibiting a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity
a drug addict
opioid addicts
a gambling addict
2
: one strongly inclined to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
a television addict
chocolate addicts
addicted; addicting; addicts
Synonyms of addict
Examples of addict in a Sentence
Noun
an inspiring story about addicts who seek help and manage to kick their habit
science-fiction addicts who eagerly await each new installment in the series
Recent Examples on the Web
Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Artificials addicts will try the most offbeat gadgets.
—Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Gearhardt, who specializes in food addiction, has coauthored studies that showed more than 12% of older adults in the United States — and 21% of women ages 50 to 64 are now clinically addicted to ultraprocessed food.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for addict
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Noun
The 56-year-old, who has spoken publicly about his years living as a crack cocaine addict and cutting himself off from his family, penned 102 posts on Monday, 85 posts on Tuesday, 74 on Wednesday and was well on his way to breaking 100 on Thursday.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Artificials addicts will try the most offbeat gadgets.
—Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Verb
This addicting shrimp recipe manages the best blend of salty and sweet.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Gearhardt, who specializes in food addiction, has coauthored studies that showed more than 12% of older adults in the United States — and 21% of women ages 50 to 64 are now clinically addicted to ultraprocessed food.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for addict
Cite this Entry
“Addict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addict. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
addict
1 of 2 verb
ad·dict
ə-ˈdikt
1
: to devote or surrender oneself to something habitually
addicted to detective stories
2
: to cause to make a habit of using a drug
nicotine is addicting
addict
2 of 2 noun
ad·dict
ˈad-(ˌ)ikt
1
: one who is addicted (as to a drug)
2
: a person devoted to something
a TV addict
Medical Definition
addict
2 of 2 noun
ad·dict
ˈad-(ˌ)ikt
: one exhibiting a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity
a drug addict
opioid addicts
a gambling addict
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