painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌki-lər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
variants or less commonly pain-killer
: something (such as a drug) that relieves pain
pain-killing adjective
or painkilling

Examples of painkiller in a Sentence

I took some over-the-counter painkillers for my headache. after her oral surgery, she was given a prescription for a mild painkiller
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.
That includes Donna’s to alcohol, Mikey’s to painkillers, Carmy’s to a self-flagellating notion of perfection and, perhaps, the modern TV audience’s to cortisol. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 The medical examiner’s report found a mix of the prescription painkiller oxycodone and an unregulated drug, called bromazolam, in Miller’s system. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 June 2025 We were relieved to be told by the doctor that with physical therapy for back injuries and painkillers, Walter would be fine. Cristina Jiménez, People.com, 11 June 2025 The researchers also note that roughly 90% of the product made from reacting broken down PET (terephthalic acid) with E. coli was paracetamol – making this a highly efficient and sustainable method of producing the painkiller. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for painkiller

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of painkiller was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painkiller. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

painkiller

noun
pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌkil-ər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
: something (as a drug) that relieves pain
painkilling adjective

Medical Definition

painkiller

noun
pain·​kill·​er -ˌkil-ər How to pronounce painkiller (audio)
: something (as a drug) that relieves pain
painkilling adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on painkiller

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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