prescription drug

noun

: 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.
Physician and clinical services were 14%, and retail prescription drugs, another 6%. Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Cannabis can interact with prescription drugs, affect hormone levels and impact everything from blood pressure to sleep cycles. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 30 June 2025 Police later discovered a variety of sedatives and other prescription drugs in multiple vials and bottles around the home, although none of which were labeled as prescribed to any patient, the LAPD stated. Alex Gurley, People.com, 25 June 2025 And Medicare also does not cover prescription drugs, which must be covered under an additional private insurance policy. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

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

More from Merriam-Webster on prescription drug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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