auto-injector

noun

variants or less commonly autoinjector
medical
: a device for injecting oneself with a single, preloaded dose of a drug that typically consists of a spring-loaded syringe activated when the device is pushed firmly against the body

Examples of auto-injector 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 Wegovy pill contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in the Wegovy shot, which comes in an auto-injector pen. Sean Hashmi, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Jan. 2026 The 'Epi-pen' for heart attacks Selatogrel is an auto-injector that patients can administer at the first signs of a potential heart attack. Justin Zacks, CNBC, 4 June 2026 Experts are advising anyone already sensitive to bee or wasp stings to speak with their doctor about carrying an epinephrine auto-injector as a precaution. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026 The nurse administered an EpiPen, or an epinephrine auto-injector, and called 911. Veronique Greenwood, Time, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for auto-injector

Word History

Etymology

auto- + injector

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of auto-injector was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

auto-injector

noun
variants also autoinjector
: a device for injecting oneself with a single, preloaded dose of a drug that typically consists of a spring-loaded syringe activated when the device is pushed firmly against the body
Some parents and health officials say epinephrine auto-injectors should be as common in schools as defibrillators are, so immediate help would be available to any student suffering anaphylaxis …Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah, The Chicago Tribune
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