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

Positions And Guidance The IRS has expanded the list of preventive care benefits permitted to be provided by a high deductible health plan (HDHP) to include over-the-counter oral contraceptives (including emergency contraceptives) and male condoms. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

Medical experts offer tips for feeling better Menstrual periods, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy and taking oral contraceptives are additional risk factors for motion sickness, per the CDC. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024

The development of the oral contraceptive which delivered reproductive and economic freedom was financed by $20 million in today’s dollars by MIT graduate Katharine McCormick Dexter, as Josie Cox relates in Women Money Power. —Amy Willard Cross, TIME, 18 Sep. 2024

Abundant evidence shows that teen contraceptive use—including IUDs, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), oral contraceptives, and condoms—have an excellent safety and efficacy profile if used correctly. —Dr. Scott A. Rivkees, TIME, 15 Aug. 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