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.
What kinds of prescription drugs can get me in trouble? Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2025 The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, which oversees the licensing of pharmacists and regulations of prescription drugs, said in a statement the availability of ivermectin will likely depend on the federal government, regardless of state law. Arkansas Online, 26 July 2025 And most of them take at least one, and often several, prescription drugs to stay healthy. Michelle Flowers, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025 In calculating prescription drug price comparisons, simply computing the differences between prices isn’t sufficient. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 7 Aug. 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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