ibuprofen

noun

ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən 

 also  ī-ˈbyü-prə-fən

: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C₁₃H₁₈O₂ used to relieve pain and fever

Examples of ibuprofen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To relieve body aches, take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 13 Apr. 2025

To relieve chronic back pain, medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) or muscle relaxants help manage symptoms. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025

For example, plants in China and India make nearly all of the world’s supply of the active ingredients in the painkiller ibuprofen and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, according to Clarivate, an industry data provider. —Rebecca Robbins, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

Alternative medications include muscle relaxants (generic cyclobenzaprine) and ibuprofen (anti-inflammatories). —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

is- + butyl + propionic acid + -fen (alteration of phenyl)

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ibuprofen

• gonadotrophin

Medical Definition

ibuprofen

noun

ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən 

: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C₁₃H₁₈O₂ used in over-the-counter preparations to relieve pain and fever and in prescription strength especially to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis see advil, motrin