aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈa-sp(ə-)rən How to pronounce aspirin (audio)
plural aspirin or aspirins
1
: a white crystalline derivative C9H8O4 of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever
2
: a tablet of aspirin

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.
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.
Really, all guys should take aspirin every day. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 4 June 2026 The usual daily preventive aspirin dose is around 80 milligrams. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 30 May 2026 There is a structure nestled deep within your inner ear, roughly the size of an aspirin tablet, that has been doing essentially the same job for half a billion years. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 7 June 2026 There may be side effects of taking vitamin K and medications such as blood thinners, aspirin, antibiotics, and more. — Beth Thomas, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for aspirin

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from acetyl + spiraeic acid (former name of salicylic acid), from New Latin Spiraea, genus of shrubs — more at spirea

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aspirin was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

aspirer
aspirin
aspiring
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aspirin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspirin. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aspirin

noun
as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən How to pronounce aspirin (audio)
1
: a white drug used as a remedy for pain and fever
2
: a tablet of aspirin

Medical Definition

aspirin

noun
as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən How to pronounce aspirin (audio)
plural aspirin or aspirins
1
: a white crystalline derivative C9H8O4 of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever
2
: a tablet of aspirin

More from Merriam-Webster on aspirin

Nglish: Translation of aspirin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aspirin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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