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.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in plants like coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, and cacao pods. Ashley Wong, Health, 17 Feb. 2025 Curbing addiction and suicidal ideation GLP-1 drugs have also demonstrated potential in reducing risks of several substance use disorders such as those involving alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids and stimulants. Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025 Assess how overuse of medications, certain food ingredients, chemicals and environmental exposures contribute to chronic inflammation and disease. Evaluate the prevalence and risks of prescribing antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants and weight-loss drugs to children. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, and its use has been linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulant. Accessed 4 Mar. 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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