stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
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.
According to the United Nations’ Online World Drug Report 2023, the use of amphetamine-type stimulants, which includes methamphetamine, has increased in most countries over the past decade. New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024 The theory that merging the two will promote productivity and other joyful feelings comes from the science that caffeine is a stimulant. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 For emotional dysregulation, which Cortese said many people with ADHD experience, atomoxetine and stimulants were more helpful than a placebo. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 Many recreational and prescription drugs contain stimulants (drugs that increase activity in your central nervous system) and other substances that can trigger symptoms of tachycardia. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near stimulant

Cite this Entry

“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulant. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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

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