Prescription - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT prescription /prəˈskrɪpʃɪn/ /prɛsˈkrɪpʃən/ IPA guide

Other forms: prescriptions

A prescription is an order written by a doctor for someone to get a drug that is not available without this permission. If you get a bad ear infection, you'll need a prescription for antibiotics.

When your doctor writes a prescription, she's advising you to take a medication that you can only get from a pharmacist. You can refer to the paper with the drug's name and the doctor's signature and the bottle of medicine as a prescription. Sometimes prescription is used in a non-medical way to simply mean a suggestion or recommendation, like laughter and friends — a great prescription for chasing away the blues.

Definitions of prescription

noun directions prescribed beforehand; the action of prescribing authoritative rules or directions “I tried to follow her prescription for success” see moresee less type of: direction, instruction a message describing how something is to be done
noun written instructions from a physician or dentist to a druggist concerning the form and dosage of a drug to be issued to a given patient see moresee less type of: black and white, written communication, written language communication by means of written symbols (either printed or handwritten)
noun written instructions for an optician on the lenses for a given person see moresee less type of: black and white, written communication, written language communication by means of written symbols (either printed or handwritten)
noun a drug that is available only with written instructions from a doctor or dentist to a pharmacist “he told the doctor that he had been taking his prescription regularly” synonyms: ethical drug, prescription drug, prescription medicine see moresee less types: refill a prescription drug that is provided again type of: medicament, medication, medicinal drug, medicine (medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease
adjective available only with a doctor's written prescription “a prescription drug” see moresee less antonyms: nonprescription purchasable without a doctor's prescription

Pronunciation US /prəˈskrɪpʃɪn/ UK /prɛsˈkrɪpʃən/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘prescription'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing prescription

Smile Raina Telgemeier

When she was in sixth grade, cartoonist Raina Telgemeier severely damaged her teeth during an accidental fall. In this graphic memoir, Telgemeier chronicles her literal and figurative quest to reclaim her smile.

"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

A woman's mind begins to unravel when she is confined to a yellow bedroom after being diagnosed with "a slight hysterical tendency." Read the full text here.

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for August 20–August 26, 2022

Stories about an internet meme, a tennis star, and a 17-year-old solo pilot all contributed words to this list of vocabulary from the week's news.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account