ibuprofen

noun

ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən How to pronounce ibuprofen (audio)
also ī-ˈbyü-prə-fən
: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C13H18O2 used to relieve pain and fever

Examples of ibuprofen 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.
Doctors may also tell them to elevate the affected leg or arm to improve blood flow while resting, take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, stay active to keep blood from pooling and possibly wear compression socks or an elastic bandage. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 Some good medications to have include ibuprofen or naproxen, which can relieve headaches, body aches and sore throats by reducing inflammation and Acetaminophen, which can lower body temperature. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026 Ginger is also believed to work just as well as ibuprofen and other pain medications to relieve menstrual cramps. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 There won’t be children’s ibuprofen in the medicine cabinet or a pediatrician’s phone number to call for medical records. — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ibuprofen

Word History

Etymology

is- + butyl + propionic acid + -fen (alteration of phenyl)

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ibuprofen was in 1967

Rhymes for ibuprofen

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Browse Nearby Words

IBU
ibuprofen
IC
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Cite this Entry

“Ibuprofen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ibuprofen. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

ibuprofen

noun
ibu·​pro·​fen ˌī-byu̇-ˈprō-fən How to pronounce ibuprofen (audio)
: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C13H18O2 used in over-the-counter preparations to relieve pain and fever and in prescription strength especially to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis see advil, motrin

More from Merriam-Webster on ibuprofen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ibuprofen

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