aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈa-sp(ə-)rən 

plural aspirin or aspirins

1

: a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.

Recent Examples on the Web

Patients who may have dengue must avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. — Andrés Henao, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

More rarely, but more seriously, aspirin can cause bleeding in the brain. — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Instead, Donnelly and Sanchez said, she has been prescribed baby aspirin, a statin, diltiazem and nitroglycerin as needed for chest pains. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Their zeal to account for the billing of every aspirin and band-aid adds both costs and paperwork to providers, who are already undercompensated for care they are mandated by the government to provide. — Matt Soper, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from acetyl + spiraeic acid (former name of salicylic acid), from New Latin Spiraea, genus of shrubs — more at spirea

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

1

: a white drug used as a remedy for pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin

Medical Definition

aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən 

plural aspirin or aspirins

1

: a white crystalline derivative C₉H₈O₄ of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever

2

: a tablet of aspirin