plural prescriptions
1
a
: a written message from a doctor that officially tells someone to use a medicine, therapy, etc.
The drug is only sold with a prescription.
—often + forThe doctor wrote me a prescription for cough syrup.
(US) The drug is only available by prescription. = (Brit) The drug is only available on prescription. [=you can only get the drug if you have a prescription]
b
: a medicine or drug that a doctor officially tells someone to use
I have to pick up my prescription.
—often used before another nounprescription drugs/medicine/costs
2
: something that is suggested as a way to do something or to make something happen
—+ for
a prescription for economic recovery
a prescription for improving the educational system
Cite this Entry
“Prescription.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prescription. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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