beta-blocker
noun
be·ta-block·er
ˈbā-tə-ˌblä-kər 
: any of a class of drugs (such as propranolol) that decrease the rate and force of heart contractions and lower high blood pressure by blocking the activity of beta-receptors
Examples of beta-blocker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For decades, beta-blockers have been commonly prescribed as a standard treatment for adults who have had heart attacks with no complications, and many people continue the medications for life.
—
CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Research shows that beta-blockers and diuretics don’t work as well when caffeine enters the mix.4
Maron recommends limiting caffeine intake to less than 400 milligrams (mg) per day, roughly the amount in three cups of coffee.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
There are several medications that can help, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers which also help lower blood pressure.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Feb. 2026
Combined alpha- and beta-blockers are used for the treatment of heart failure; they are sometimes prescribed for treating a hypertensive crisis.
—Craig O. Weber, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025
People with chronic kidney disease, or those taking beta-blockers or potassium-sparing diuretics, may also need to moderate their intake of high-potassium foods like sweet potatoes and yams.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 Nov. 2025
The team also identified a link between taking beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and calcium-channel blockers – all drugs commonly used to treat heart disease or hypertension – and higher rates of severe negative side-effects.
—New Atlas, 9 Nov. 2025
First, the presence of abundant fluorine atoms leads to strong intermolecular interactions with beta-blocker molecules.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Research shows that beta-blockers and diuretics don’t work as well when caffeine enters the mix.4
Maron recommends limiting caffeine intake to less than 400 milligrams (mg) per day, roughly the amount in three cups of coffee.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
There are several medications that can help, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers which also help lower blood pressure.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Feb. 2026
Combined alpha- and beta-blockers are used for the treatment of heart failure; they are sometimes prescribed for treating a hypertensive crisis.
—Craig O. Weber, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025
People with chronic kidney disease, or those taking beta-blockers or potassium-sparing diuretics, may also need to moderate their intake of high-potassium foods like sweet potatoes and yams.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 Nov. 2025
The team also identified a link between taking beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and calcium-channel blockers – all drugs commonly used to treat heart disease or hypertension – and higher rates of severe negative side-effects.
—New Atlas, 9 Nov. 2025
First, the presence of abundant fluorine atoms leads to strong intermolecular interactions with beta-blocker molecules.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beta-blocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta-blocker. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
beta-blocker
noun
be·ta-block·er
-ˈbläk-ər
: any of a group of drugs (as propranolol) that combine with and block the activity of a beta-receptor to decrease the heart rate and force of contractions and lower high blood pressure and that are used especially to treat hypertension, angina pectoris, and ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias compare alpha-blocker
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
