prescription drug

noun

: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

Examples of prescription drug in a Sentence

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.
The government has also created a centralized system for buying prescription drugs. Claire Fu, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Dilantin Dilantin, a common brand of phenytoin, is a prescription drug used to prevent certain types of seizures. Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2025 All states cover prescription drugs, and most cover eyeglasses, some dental care, and physical therapy. Renuka Rayasam, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2025 Apart from the budget, Pritzker proposed legislation aimed at reducing prescription drug costs by reining in the role of pharmacy benefit managers, known as PBMs, that are often owned by health care companies and act as middlemen in controlling drug prices for consumers. Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prescription drug 

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescription drug was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near prescription drug

Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

noun
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

More from Merriam-Webster on prescription drug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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