oral contraceptive

noun

plural oral contraceptives

: any of various preparations that typically contain progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen, are taken orally especially on a daily basis, and act as contraceptives (see contraceptive entry 1) by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning the uterine lining : birth control pill

Johns Hopkins University has estimated that 80 percent of American women born since 1945 have used oral contraceptives at some time.

—The New York Times

And because it's a combined oral contraceptive … meaning that it contains progestin and estrogen, it's not recommended for nursing moms …

—Caitlin Stine

She is considering having another child and is wondering whether she should discontinue oral contraceptives to attempt pregnancy.

—G. Adam Davidson

Examples of oral contraceptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Contraceptive Use Using oral contraceptive pills can raise the risk of stroke, especially ischemic stroke and, to a lesser extent, hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain). —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

The National Cancer Institute, summing up the cumulative studies, concludes that oral contraceptives are associated with a higher risk of breast and cervical cancer, and lower risks of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. —Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2024

Hormonal oral contraceptives, hormone injections, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) may help shrink fibroids or control heavy menstrual bleeding. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 23 Nov. 2024

Also, women who are using hormonal birth control such as the oral contraceptive pill may not experience changes in menstruation, as their other symptoms could be masked by these hormones. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

oral contraceptive

noun

: any of various preparations that typically contain a progestin (such as norethindrone or levonorgestrel) either alone or in combination with an estrogen (such as ethinyl estradiol or mestranol), are taken orally especially on a daily basis, and act as contraceptives (see contraceptive entry 1) by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning the uterine lining : birth control pill