auto-injector

noun

au·​to-in·​ject·​or ˌȯ-tō-in-ˈjek-tər How to pronounce auto-injector (audio)
variants or less commonly autoinjector
medical
: a device for injecting oneself with a single, preloaded dose of a drug that typically consists of a spring-loaded syringe activated when the device is pushed firmly against the body

Examples of auto-injector 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.
People with a known caffeine allergy who are at risk of anaphylaxis may be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) to use in case of an emergency. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 July 2025 For individuals with a history of severe reactions to other types of stings, experts recommend carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2025 If your healthcare provider has not told you otherwise, plan to go to the emergency room after using an epinephrine auto-injector that is prescribed to you. Sarah Hudgens, Health, 5 May 2025 At the moment, managing food allergies mostly comes down to strict avoidance and carrying emergency medication like epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) or antihistamines. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 Allergy sufferers can also carry an auto-injector to give themselves an emergency shot in case of a life-threatening case of anaphylaxis. Breanne Hayes Haney, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025 To reinforce Novo’s claim of patent exclusivity, both versions are sold in auto-injectors. Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 However, the medication came in single-dose vials, requiring patients to use a traditional syringe instead of the more convenient auto-injector pen that treatment usually comes in. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2025 Epinephrine auto-injectors can stop a severe allergic reaction from becoming fatal. Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

auto- + injector

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of auto-injector was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Auto-injector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auto-injector. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

auto-injector

noun
au·​to-in·​ject·​or ˌȯ-(ˌ)tō-ˌin-ˈjek-tər How to pronounce auto-injector (audio)
variants also autoinjector
: a device for injecting oneself with a single, preloaded dose of a drug that typically consists of a spring-loaded syringe activated when the device is pushed firmly against the body
Some parents and health officials say epinephrine auto-injectors should be as common in schools as defibrillators are, so immediate help would be available to any student suffering anaphylaxis …Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah, The Chicago Tribune
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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