sleeping pill

noun

: a drug and especially a barbiturate that is taken as a tablet or capsule to induce sleep

Examples of sleeping pill 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.
They’re known to interact with GABA receptors, which are the same calming pathways targeted by sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs. New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025 Felicia allegedly confessed to giving Jayden sleeping pills and later burying him in a plastic tote, according to an arrest document obtained by the Lexington Herald Leader. Staff Author, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 There are little signs of OCD, drinking, sleeping pills, those moments where everything feels out of control and that’s something so many teens go through. Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 Rocky instead took a handful of his father’s sleeping pills. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleeping pill

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleeping pill was in 1664

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleeping pill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleeping%20pill. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sleeping pill

noun
: a drug that is taken as a tablet or capsule to bring on sleep

Medical Definition

sleeping pill

noun
: a drug and especially a barbiturate that is taken as a tablet or capsule to induce sleep

called also sleeping tablet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!