# stimulant

/ˈstɪmjəɫənt/ (US) · /stˈɪmjʊlənt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stimulant
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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