prescription drug

noun

Synonyms of prescription drugnext
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

Examples of prescription drug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When mixed with alcohol or some prescription drugs, those dangers can grow. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026 But Moore says prescription drugs that have previously gone through the FDA’s Rx-to-OTC track could give insight on others that might receive similar treatment in the future. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2026 The actor entered a California treatment center in 2011 for a prescription drug addiction, and in 2017, his struggle with depression led him to take a leave of absence from the television series The Last Ship, halting production for over a month. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026 She is charged with practicing without a license, possession of a prescription drug with intent to sell, and misrepresenting a medical license. Abby Dodge, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prescription drug

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescription drug was in 1872

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

noun
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

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