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painkiller
noun
pain·kill·er
ˈpān-ˌki-lər
variants
or less commonly pain-killer
: something (such as a drug) that relieves pain
Examples of painkiller in a Sentence
I took some over-the-counter painkillers for my headache.
after her oral surgery, she was given a prescription for a mild painkiller
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2023, students have tried drugs like cannabis (28%), prescription painkillers (11%) and over-the-counter drugs (5%) at least once.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 24 Oct. 2024
By 2000, Anastasio got hooked on OxyContin after first taking prescription painkillers for dental surgery.
—Jeff Nelson, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024
Elvis was a longtime opiate user, having also abused sleeping pills, antihistamines, barbiturates and, lastly, laxatives to treat intense constipation caused by his prescription-grade painkillers.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2024
Prosecutors said there was evidence Cavanaugh had taken more Hydrocodone, a painkiller, than instructed in the days leading up to Celina’s death.
—Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for painkiller
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'painkiller.' 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
1849, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near painkiller
Cite this Entry
“Painkiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painkiller. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on painkiller
Nglish: Translation of painkiller for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of painkiller for Arabic Speakers
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