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

Try taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications: OTC medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) may relieve low-grade fever symptoms like head and body aches. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025

Treatment Is a Possible Way to Avoid or Delay Knee Replacement While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, people can ease symptoms with medications, including analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), and corticosteroids. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2025

While acetaminophen is thought to work only on the central nervous system, NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (like Aleve) work throughout the body to reduce inflammation, pain and fever. —Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025

Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and other pain-relieving medications, like Tylenol (acetaminophen), can also help reduce knee pain while walking. —Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 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