dispensary

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​ry di-ˈspen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce dispensary (audio)
plural dispensaries
Synonyms of dispensarynext
: a place where medicine or medical or dental treatment is dispensed

Examples of dispensary 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.
Faced with declining revenue on untaxed cigarette sales, a traditionally reliable source of income, the tribe has diversified into cannabis dispensaries, music festivals and rodeos. — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 Medical marijuana can be sold by licensed dispensaries in Virginia and people can possess a certain amount for personal use. — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The audit, released Monday, identified a host of issues, including regulators’ failure to meet regular inspection schedules or to conduct sufficient random checks at dispensaries for contaminated products. — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 These include things like expungements of past convictions, license set-asides for minority dispensary owners, and community reinvestment of cannabis tax revenues. — Daniel J. Mallinson, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispensary

Word History

Etymology

dispense + -ary entry 1, probably after New Latin dispensārium "book containing directions for formulating medicines"

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispensary was in 1699

Rhymes for dispensary

See All Rhymes for dispensary

Browse Nearby Words

dispensable
dispensary
dispensation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispensary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispensary. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dispensary

noun
dis·​pen·​sa·​ry dis-ˈpen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce dispensary (audio)
plural dispensaries
: a place where medical or dental aid is given

Medical Definition

dispensary

noun
dis·​pen·​sa·​ry dis-ˈpen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce dispensary (audio)
plural dispensaries
: a place where medicine or medical or dental treatment is dispensed

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