prescription

noun

pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce prescription (audio)
Synonyms of prescriptionnext
1
a
: the establishment of a claim of title to something under common law usually by use and enjoyment for a period fixed by statute
b
: the right or title acquired under common law by such possession
2
: the process of making claim to something by long use and enjoyment
3
: the action of laying down authoritative rules or directions
4
a
: a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent
specifically : one for the preparation and use of a medicine
b
: a prescribed medicine
c
: something (such as a recommendation) resembling a doctor's prescription
prescriptions for economic recovery
5
a
: ancient or long continued custom
b
: a claim founded upon ancient custom or long continued use
6
: something prescribed as a rule

Synonyms of prescription

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of prescription in a Sentence

The drug is only sold with a prescription. I have to pick up my prescription.
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.
That’s a prescription for lower prices, as has been the case in Europe since Chinese automakers entered that market, according to experts. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026 Approximately one-third of older adults with traditional Medicare report being underinsured, struggling with copayments, deductibles and prescription costs that lead many to delay filling prescriptions or forego care altogether. —Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026 The Frisco resident visited Goodblend’s Plano store with her husband, Tracy, to pick up her prescription. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026 If one more child eats a free breakfast, one less book is banned, one less citizen grabbed off the streets, one less renter losing their home and one more person enrolled in healthcare and getting affordable prescriptions, that’s the measure of success. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prescription

Word History

Etymology

partly from Middle English prescripcion establishment of a claim, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin praescription-, praescriptio, from Latin, act of writing at the beginning, order, limitation of subject matter, from praescribere; partly from Latin praescription-, praescriptio order

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescription was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing prescription

Rhymes for prescription

See All Rhymes for prescription

Browse Nearby Words

prescriptible
prescription
prescription drug
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prescription.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

prescription

noun
pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce prescription (audio)
1
: the action of prescribing rules or directions
2
a
: a written direction or order for the preparation and use of a medicine
b
: a medicine that is prescribed
prescriptive
-ˈskrip-tiv
adjective

Medical Definition

prescription

noun
pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce prescription (audio)
1
: a written direction for the preparation, compounding, and administration of a medicine
2
: a prescribed remedy
3
: a written formula for the grinding of corrective lenses for eyeglasses
4
: a written direction for the application of physical therapy measures (as directed exercise or electrotherapy) in cases of injury or disability

Legal Definition

prescription

noun
pre·​scrip·​tion pri-ˈskrip-shən How to pronounce prescription (audio)
1
: acquisition of an interest (as an easement) in real property that is usually less than a fee by long-term, continuous, open, and hostile use and possession as determined by the law of a jurisdiction
gained title by prescription
see also easement by prescription at easement compare adverse possession at possession
2
in the civil law of Louisiana
a
: the running of a period of time set by law after which a right is unenforceable in Louisiana courts but may be enforced in another state forum
an interruption of prescription
by the prescription of ten years
also : the bar to an action that results from prescription see also peremptory exception compare peremption
b
: the creation of a right by the running of a period of time set by law
especially : acquisitive prescription in this entry
predial servitudes on property of the state may not be acquired by prescription —Louisiana Civil Code
— acquisitive prescription \ ə-​ˈkwi-​zə-​tiv-​ \
: acquisition of ownership or other real rights in movables or immovables by continuous, uninterrupted, peaceable, public, and unequivocal possession for a period of time (as 10 years) set by law
also : such possession that creates real rights
acquisitive prescription is interrupted when the possessor acknowledges the right of the owner —Louisiana Civil Code

Note: The Louisiana Civil Code has set various periods of time for acquisitive prescription of movables and immovables. With the shorter periods (as 10 years for immovables or 3 years for movables) the Code also requires that the possessor possess in good faith and under just title. Acquisitive prescription does not run in favor of a person having precarious possession, because he or she possess the property on behalf of or with permission of the owner, until the possessor begins to possess the property on his or her own behalf (as after a lease terminates).

— liberative prescription
: a period of time set by law (as one year) after which legal action is barred if no steps have been taken to enforce or litigate the right delictual actions are subject to a liberative prescription of one year—Louisiana Civil Code

Note: Liberative prescription is similar to the common-law statute of limitations.

— prescription of nonuse
: the extinguishment or termination of a real right other than ownership as a result of the failure to exercise the right for a period of time (as 10 years) set by law
also : the period of time
3
: something prescribed as a rule
created a legal prescription against such acts
Etymology

partly from Middle French prescription establishment of a claim, from Late Latin praescription-, praescriptio, from Latin, act of writing at the beginning, order, from praescribere to write at the beginning, dictate, order; partly from Latin praescription-, praescriptio order

More from Merriam-Webster on prescription

Nglish: Translation of prescription for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prescription

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of prerogative

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All