# pharmacy

/ˈfɑɹməsi/ (US) · /fˈɑːməsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pharmacy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a shop for medicine

noun · CEFR A2

a shop or a part of a hospital where you can buy medicine and get prescriptions.

For teachers: a retail shop or hospital department where medicinal drugs are prepared and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

- I need to stop at the pharmacy to pick up the medicine the doctor ordered.
- The hospital pharmacy remains open twenty-four hours a day to ensure that emergency patients have immediate access to critical medications.

Usage: In British English, 'chemist' is a very common synonym for the retail shop.

### 2. the science of medicine

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

the study and science of preparing and making medicines.

For teachers: the science and technique of preparing, dispensing, and reviewing drugs and providing additional clinical services.

- She decided to study pharmacy at university because she was interested in chemistry.
- Advances in pharmacy have led to the development of highly targeted drug delivery systems that minimize side effects for cancer patients.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the field of study or the profession.

## Examples

- I need to go to the pharmacy to get my medicine.
- The local pharmacy stays open late on weekends to help people who need urgent prescriptions.
- Modern clinical pharmacy has evolved from simple drug dispensing to a more patient-centered approach involving medication therapy management and preventative health screenings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.