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 That’s more than the $130 billion Medicare spent on all retail prescription drugs in 2022, according to CMS. Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024 The core issue: inadequate reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, which manage prescription drug benefits and claims between health insurance plans and pharmacies. Dené K. Dryden, Twin Cities, 27 May 2024 As of 2021, Costa faces a multi-million dollar indictment as a result of his latest prescription drug diversion scheme. Rebecca San Juan, Miami Herald, 23 May 2024 Most fentanyl seizures occurred in the Western U.S., with significant increases in the Midwest. Fentanyl-containing pills are often disguised as other medications, increasing overdose risks for those seeking prescription drugs from non-certified sources. John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for prescription drug 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prescription drug.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescription drug was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near prescription drug

Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.

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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