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.
The intention of peptide users is to have the muscle-building effects of anabolic steroids without the side effects of infertility, oily skin, acne, liver inflammation, and so on. — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026 However, this could be reversed if the men stopped using anabolic steroids and continued to abstain from them over the long term. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026 The three-month ban that Sinner served last year after testing positive for an anabolic steroid did not come up. — Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026 She is charged with assisting Mayo and possession of anabolic steroids. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 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 30 Oct. 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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