anabolic steroid

noun

: any of a group of usually synthetic hormones that are derivatives of testosterone, are used medically especially to promote tissue growth, and are sometimes abused by athletes to increase the size and strength of their muscles and improve endurance

Examples of anabolic steroid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When a hitter takes an anabolic steroid, the wonder is largely lost. — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 She is charged with assisting Mayo and possession of anabolic steroids. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 The 44-year-old Ramírez played for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic this spring and promptly tested positive for four anabolic steroids. — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 1 June 2026 But the company said competitors have used testosterone and testosterone esters, human growth hormones, stimulants like Adderall, metabolic modulators used alongside anabolic agents, erythropoietin, and anabolic steroid agents. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for anabolic steroid

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anabolic steroid was in 1946

Rhymes for anabolic steroid

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Browse Nearby Words

anabolic
anabolic steroid
anabolism
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Cite this Entry

“Anabolic steroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anabolic%20steroid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anabolic steroid

noun
: any of several man-made hormones that are used in medicine to help tissue grow, that are sometimes abused by athletes to increase muscle size and strength, and that may have harmful effects (as stunted growth in teenagers)

Medical Definition

anabolic steroid

noun
: any of a group of usually synthetic hormones that are derivatives of testosterone, are used medically especially to promote tissue growth, and are sometimes abused by athletes to increase the size and strength of their muscles and improve endurance

More from Merriam-Webster on anabolic steroid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anabolic steroid

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