gateway drug

noun

: a drug (such as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug (such as cocaine or heroin)

Examples of gateway drug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Fantasy leagues were a gateway drug for people who liked their sports with a heavy dose of statistical analysis. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2024 In some cases, the flame emoji is the gateway drug to cheating. Olivia Petter, Vogue, 19 Aug. 2024 My gateway drug was a set reminiscent of an ice cream truck. Abby Margolis Newman, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024 Ran watch on prime video Rear Window Year: 1954 Runtime: 1h 52m Director: Alfred Hitchcock Rear Window is the gateway drug for young people learning about the Master of Suspense. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for gateway drug 

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gateway drug was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near gateway drug

Cite this Entry

“Gateway drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gateway%20drug. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gateway drug

noun
: a drug (as marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug that is more addictive and harmful to health

Medical Definition

gateway drug

noun
gate·​way drug ˈgāt-ˌwā- How to pronounce gateway drug (audio)
: a drug (such as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on more dangerous, addicting substances (such as cocaine or heroin)
To end at the beginning, nicotine … is now considered a "gateway drug," as it commonly precedes and is comorbid with other substance use.Donald A. Henderson, The Journal of the American Medical Association
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