stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
Synonyms of stimulantnext
1
: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2
3
: an alcoholic beverage
not used technically
stimulant adjective

Examples of stimulant in a Sentence

The movie was a stimulant to discussion. the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area
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.
The stimulant is then absorbed into the bloodstream. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 And those treated with an acidic stimulant maintained 75 percent of their initial brightness even after a month of use. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026 Caffeine powders, energy drink mixes and juice splashes can pile on stimulants and sugar quickly, especially when stacked together in the same drink. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026 Doctors in Abu Dhabi would compose an individualized concoction of enhancement drugs for him and many of his fellow athletes, selecting from testosterone, anabolic steroids, growth factors like HGH and EPO, hormone and metabolic modulators, and stimulants like Adderall. Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulant

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stimulant was circa 1728

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulant. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

stimulant

noun
stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
1
: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts
a heart stimulant
2
stimulant adjective

Medical Definition

stimulant

noun
stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
1
: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2

More from Merriam-Webster on stimulant

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