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.
The new law also broadens the types of products dispensaries can sell, including gummies, edibles, and vaporized flower. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 2026 These changes brought a boom in telemedicine services and online dispensaries, offering fast home delivery and creating one of Europe’s most liberal medical cannabis markets. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Holscher, in a video outside of a dispensary in Kansas City, made a case for legalizing marijuana for an additional source of revenue for the state, building up the local cannabis industry and for personal freedom. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 As many as nine masked men rushed the Thys Court dispensary, Joseph Mills’ attorney, Allan Sawyer, told The Sacramento Bee ahead of the security guard’s May court hearing. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 July 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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on dispensary

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dispensary

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