# prescription drug

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prescription-drug
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

a medicine that you can only get if a doctor gives you a formal note. You cannot buy these items directly off the shelf at a shop.

For teachers: a pharmaceutical medication that legally requires a medical authorization from a licensed practitioner before it can be dispensed. Often contrasted with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

## Examples

- You need a note from your doctor to buy this prescription drug.
- The pharmacist checked the doctor's signature before handing over the prescription drug to the patient.
- Rising costs associated with the development of a single prescription drug have sparked intense debate regarding patent lengths and public access to life-saving medications.

## Usage notes

- Commonly shortened to 'prescription' in daily speech when the context of medicine is clear.

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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.