stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
1
: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2
3
: an alcoholic beverage
not used technically
stimulant adjective

Examples of stimulant in a Sentence

The movie was a stimulant to discussion. the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area
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.
Caffeine is a stimulant, so if it's consumed (by drinking coffee, for example) when cortisol is high, that can increase stress levels that were already high at the beginning of the day. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2025 Caffeine is a stimulant that impacts sleep-promoting hormones and alters sleep habits. Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 May 2025 Lab reports confirmed the child was suffering from an acute intoxication due to an exposure to methamphetamines or other stimulant. ... Mark Price, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025 The expert panel is clear that beverages with caffeine and other stimulants are not recommended for children and adolescents. Katia Hetter, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stimulant

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stimulant was circa 1728

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulant. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

stimulant

noun
stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
1
: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts
a heart stimulant
2
stimulant adjective

Medical Definition

stimulant

noun
stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
1
: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2

More from Merriam-Webster on stimulant

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