oral contraceptive
noun
plural oral contraceptives
: any of various preparations that typically contain progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen, are taken orally especially on a daily basis, and act as contraceptives (see contraceptive entry 1) by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning the uterine lining : birth control pill
Johns Hopkins University has estimated that 80 percent of American women born since 1945 have used oral contraceptives at some time.—
The New York Times
The New York TimesAnd because it's a combined oral contraceptive … meaning that it contains progestin and estrogen, it's not recommended for nursing moms …—Caitlin Stine
Caitlin StineShe is considering having another child and is wondering whether she should discontinue oral contraceptives to attempt pregnancy.—G. Adam Davidson
G. Adam DavidsonExamples of oral contraceptive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is usually done with oral contraceptives (or their hormonal equivalent), which can help prevent new cysts from forming.
—Stacey Colino, Time, 13 May 2025
In some cases, oral contraceptives (hormonal birth control) or spironolactone (medication to treat high blood pressure) can balance hormone levels that may trigger bacne.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
For hepatic adenomas that are smaller than 5 centimeters (cm) and linked to oral contraceptive use, healthcare providers usually take a careful approach.
—Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024
There's no evidence that oral contraceptives cause PCOS.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oral contraceptive
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Stacey Colino, Time, 13 May 2025
In some cases, oral contraceptives (hormonal birth control) or spironolactone (medication to treat high blood pressure) can balance hormone levels that may trigger bacne.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
For hepatic adenomas that are smaller than 5 centimeters (cm) and linked to oral contraceptive use, healthcare providers usually take a careful approach.
—Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024
There's no evidence that oral contraceptives cause PCOS.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oral contraceptive
Cite this Entry
“Oral contraceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oral%20contraceptive. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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