recreational drug

noun

: a drug (such as cocaine, marijuana, or methamphetamine) used without medical justification for its psychoactive effects often in the belief that occasional use of such a substance is not habit-forming or addictive

Examples of recreational drug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The next 150 years of nitrous The rise of anesthetics like nitrous in medicine was accompanied by a decline in their use as recreational drugs. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Here are three mind-blowing facts about dolphins that showcase their astonishing intelligence, as well as their peculiar behaviors—from recreational drug use to echolocation abilities that could rival technology on submarines. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024

Nicotine, alcohol, and recreational drug use can also cause trouble sleeping.18 Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy Trouble sleeping is more common in women, especially during menopause. —Carley Millhone, Health, 10 Oct. 2024

Thanks to being both accessible and cheap, nitrous has been used as a recreational drug for decades, from Grateful Dead concerts in the ’60s to raves in the ’90s. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

recreational drug

noun

rec·​re·​a·​tion·​al drug ˌrek-rē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl- 

: a drug (as cocaine, marijuana, or methamphetamine) used without medical justification for its psychoactive effects often in the belief that occasional use of such a substance is not habit-forming or addictive