painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌki-lər 

variants or less commonly pain-killer

: something (such as a drug) that relieves pain

pain-killing

ˈpān-ˌki-liŋ 

adjective

or painkilling

Synonyms

• analgesic
• anesthetic
• anodyne

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

Other drugs, including cannabis and prescription painkillers, are gaining ground as well. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025

In 1982, seven people, including a 12-year-old girl, died after taking over-the-counter painkillers laced with cyanide. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

Cutting Out Alcohol, Dairy, Gluten, and Caffeine Hormone treatments, painkillers, and surgical procedures can help ease endometriosis symptoms, but these options are not right for everyone.1 Dietary modifications might feel more manageable than the other treatments for some people. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

Temporary treatment and management options include painkillers and birth control pills, which can decrease the growth of endometriosis tissue. —Monique Wilson, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for painkiller

• basilar
• distiller
• biller
• chiller
• driller
• filler
• hilar
• hiller
• killer
• pillar
• quiller
• siller

Kids Definition

painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌkil-ər 

: something (as a drug) that relieves pain

painkilling

-iŋ 

adjective

Medical Definition

painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er -ˌkil-ər 

: something (as a drug) that relieves pain

painkilling

-iŋ 

adjective