expectorant

noun

ex·​pec·​to·​rant ik-ˈspek-t(ə-)rənt How to pronounce expectorant (audio)
: an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract
broadly : an antitussive agent
expectorant adjective

Examples of expectorant 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.
Both medications contain a cough suppressant, but Robitussin-DM also has an expectorant to help loosen mucus. Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024 Antidiarrheals, decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and expectorants, for example, can come with some possible risks. Sarah Bradley, Parents, 22 July 2024 Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion are both OTC expectorants. Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024 There were antibiotics to knock out the sinusitis, a high-dose course of prednisone, an expectorant to help drain the mush out of my face and famotidine to prevent any reflux from further irritating the vocal anatomy. Dessa Dessa Tanya Pérez Alec K. Redfearn, New York Times, 12 June 2024 The key is to look for an chest congestion ointment with the active ingredient eucalyptus, which is a natural expectorant that helps to loosen mucus. Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 11 June 2024 Hot drinks, humidifiers, some herbal products, and medications like expectorants can all be helpful for chest congestion. Amanda Gardner, Health, 3 Sep. 2023 Pleurisy root is traditionally used as an expectorant to help relieve coughs. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022 The active ingredient is eucalyptus, which is a natural expectorant that helps to loosen mucus, which can ease coughing, open nasal passages, and soothe a sore throat. Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 23 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expectorant was in 1782

Dictionary Entries Near expectorant

Cite this Entry

“Expectorant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectorant. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

expectorant

noun
ex·​pec·​to·​rant ik-ˈspek-t(ə-)rənt How to pronounce expectorant (audio)
: an agent that promotes the discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract
expectorant adjective

Medical Definition

expectorant

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​pec·​to·​rant ik-ˈspek-t(ə-)rənt How to pronounce expectorant (audio)
: having the activity of an expectorant

expectorant

2 of 2 noun
: an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract
broadly : antitussive

More from Merriam-Webster on expectorant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!