English Reference

Word

stimulant

Phoneticsstim·u·lant, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈstɪmjəɫənt/

UK/stˈɪmjʊlənt/

Countable noun

Definition

n. a substance that makes you feel more awake, alert, and energetic. Common examples include caffeine in coffee or certain types of medicine.

n. a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body. Often used to describe drugs or chemicals that increase alertness and heart rate.

Examples

“Caffeine is a common stimulant found in coffee and tea.”

“The doctor prescribed a mild stimulant to help the patient manage their chronic fatigue symptoms during the day.”

“While some athletes use stimulants to enhance their immediate performance, the long-term physiological toll on the cardiovascular system can be severe and potentially life-threatening.”

Examples

simple

“Caffeine is a common stimulant found in coffee and tea.”

contextual

“The doctor prescribed a mild stimulant to help the patient manage their chronic fatigue symptoms during the day.”

complex

“While some athletes use stimulants to enhance their immediate performance, the long-term physiological toll on the cardiovascular system can be severe and potentially life-threatening.”

Usage

Often paired with the adjectives 'mild', 'strong', or 'central nervous system'.

Real-World Examples

“It's been used for centuries for its stimulant properties, grounded and consumed similar to tea.”
BBC News 25 Sept 2026
“The brew is one of the world’s favourite drinks and an essential stimulant for many researchers — but its future is uncertain.”
Nature 30 Jun 2026
“Anna now takes the stimulant drug methylphenidate (Ritalin).”
The Guardian 1 Mar 2025

Word family

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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