1
a
: the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed
2
: a portion of a substance added during a process
3
: an amount of something likened to a prescribed or measured quantity of medicine
a daily dose of hard work
a dose of scandal
4
: a gonorrheal infection
dosed; dosing
1
: to give a dose to
especially
: to give medicine to
2
: to divide into doses
dose a medicine
3
: to treat with an application or agent
Examples of dose in a Sentence
Noun
I've been taking the same dose for five years.
a large dose of vitamin C
The drug is lethal even in small doses.
a large dose of sugar
a high dose of radiation
Her parents hoped a daily dose of hard work would keep her out of trouble.
He needs a good dose of reality.
Verb
Most patients are dosed at 50 milligrams per day.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kristina Behr, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
Traditionally, the first dose is given to a child between 12-15 months old, and then the second dose is administered between 4-6 years old, according to the CDC.
—USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
The vaginal ring contains half the estrogen dose birth control pills do.5
Noninvasive and discreet.
—Megan Nunn, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dose
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
It’s typically administered in children starting at the age of 12 months, with the second dose given at about 4 years old.
—Kristina Behr, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
Traditionally, the first dose is given to a child between 12-15 months old, and then the second dose is administered between 4-6 years old, according to the CDC.
—USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
To aid Blonsky in his mission, Ross doses Blonsky with a version of the supersoldier serum.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
The vaginal ring contains half the estrogen dose birth control pills do.5
Noninvasive and discreet.
—Megan Nunn, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dose
Cite this Entry
“Dose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dose. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dose
1 of 2 noun1
a
: the measured amount of a medicine to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation given or absorbed
2
: a portion of a substance added during a process
3
: an experience to which one is exposed
a dose of hard work
dose
2 of 2 verb
dosed; dosing
1
: to give medicine to
2
: to treat with something
Medical Definition
dose
1 of 2 noun1
a
: the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed
2
: a gonorrheal infection
dose
2 of 2 verb
dosed; dosing
1
: to divide (as a medicine) into doses
2
: to give a dose to
especially
: to give medicine to
3
: to treat with an application or agent
: to take medicine
he is forever dosing but he gets worse
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