ciprofloxacin

noun

cip·​ro·​flox·​a·​cin ˌsi-prə-ˈfläk-sə-sən How to pronounce ciprofloxacin (audio)
-prō-
: a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic C17H18FN3O3 that is often administered in the form of its hydrochloride C17H18FN3O3·HCl and is effective especially against gram-negative bacteria

Examples of ciprofloxacin 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.
Use of some fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, has also been linked with a higher risk of nightmares. — Stacey Colino, Time, 3 Nov. 2025 These include quinolones such as Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and tetracyclines such as Doryx (doxycycline). — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2026 Examples of quinolone antibiotics are Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), and Avelox (moxifloxacin). — Kirstyn Hill, Health, 5 Feb. 2026 These infections don’t respond well to treatment from the common antibiotics ampicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, per the report. — Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ciprofloxacin

Word History

Etymology

probably from International Scientific Vocabulary ci- (alteration of cycl-) + propyl + fluor- + ox- + az- + -mycin

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ciprofloxacin was in 1983

Browse Nearby Words

cippus
ciprofloxacin
cir
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Cite this Entry

“Ciprofloxacin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ciprofloxacin. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

ciprofloxacin

noun
cip·​ro·​flox·​a·​cin ˌsip-rə-ˈfläk-sə-sən, -rō- How to pronounce ciprofloxacin (audio)
: a fluoroquinolone C17H18FN3O3 that is often administered in the form of its hydrochloride C17H18FN3O3·HCl and is effective especially against gram-negative bacteria see cipro

More from Merriam-Webster on ciprofloxacin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ciprofloxacin

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