contraceptive

1 of 2

noun

con·​tra·​cep·​tive ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-tiv 

plural contraceptives

: a device or preparation that is designed to prevent conception

According to current studies, the sponge is about 85-90 percent effective in preventing pregnancy—slightly less effective than the diaphragm but about the same as other vaginal contraceptives.

—Rosalind Jackler

especially : a device or preparation (such as an IUD or birth control pill) that typically contains progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen and that prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, or thins the uterine lining in order to prevent conception

Hormonal contraceptives … sometimes cause midcycle bleeding or missed periods, while IUDs can lead to heavy monthly bleeding.

—Stacey Colino

A progestin-based contraceptive composed of six matchstick-size capsules that are placed under the skin of a woman's arm for up to five years …

—Ms. Magazine

see also oral contraceptive, long-acting reversible contraceptive compare contraception sense 2

contraceptive

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or involving the prevention of conception or pregnancy

The … Right to Contraception Act passed the House on a vote of 228-195. Overall, eight Republicans supported the bill, which would codify the right to access contraceptive devices and ensure health care professionals could provide patients with contraceptive care.

—Lawrence Andrea

Breast-feeding should have a contraceptive effect, since it lowers prolactin levels in the blood.

—Sue Rodwell Williams

Moreover, there is also evidence that certain substances in neem seeds may have contraceptive value.

—Boyce Rensberger

see also contraceptive implant, contraceptive pill, intrauterine contraceptive device

Examples of contraceptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As recently as 1990, Irish women couldn’t legally purchase contraceptives without medical prescriptions, exemplifying the church and state's iron grip on women's bodily autonomy. —Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

The government legalized contraceptives and pressed for the use of IUDs. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Working with a contraceptive drug that transforms into crystals suspended in a solvent, the shot could solidify into a drug deposit beneath the skin without the need of large amounts of polymers, allowing it to be injected through thinner, more tolerable needles. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025

Next Life Sciences is raising $20 million to develop male contraceptive product Plan A, CEO Darlene Walley tells Axios exclusively. —Erin Brodwin, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

contracept(ion) + -ive, as in preventive entry 2

Adjective

contra- + (con)ceptive

First Known Use

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1898, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing contraceptive

• contraceptive implant
• contraceptive pill
• intrauterine contraceptive device
• long-acting reversible contraceptive
• oral contraceptive

Rhymes for contraceptive

• nociceptive
• deceptive
• perceptive
• receptive
• proprioceptive

Kids Definition

contraceptive

1 of 2 adjective

con·​tra·​cep·​tive

ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-tiv

: relating to or used for contraception

contraceptive

2 of 2 noun

: a contraceptive drug or device

Medical Definition

contraceptive

1 of 2 noun

con·​tra·​cep·​tive ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-tiv 

: a device or preparation (such as an IUD or birth control pill) that typically contains progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen and that prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, or thins the uterine lining in order to prevent conception

… contraceptives were classified as combination contraceptives if they included estrogen and progestin in each cycle … and as progestin-only contraceptives if they contained only progestin throughout the cycle.

—Polly A. Marchbanks et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

Hormonal contraceptives … are frequently used by athletes to treat … MI [=menstrual irregularity], reduce menstrual symptoms (e.g., bloating, cramping), and reduce conditions secondary to excessive monthly blood loss, as well as for birth control.

—Jennifer Cheng et al., American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitiation

see also long-acting reversible contraceptive, oral contraceptive compare contraception sense 2

contraceptive

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or involving the prevention of conception or pregnancy

contraceptive devices

contraceptive efficacy

see also contraceptive implant, contraceptive pill, intrauterine contraceptive device, oral contraceptive pill