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.
Amalia was treated with ibuprofen by the center’s clinicians, but the fever persisted. — Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2026 Pain relievers that are also anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help calm down the area too. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Was the children's ibuprofen distributed to Michigan? — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 20 Mar. 2026 Nelson said the friend said Damas had been complaining of a toothache and received ibuprofen from a nurse at the detention facility. — Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 15 May 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

See All Rhymes for ibuprofen

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 7 Jul. 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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