laudanum

noun

lau·​da·​num ˈlȯd-nəm How to pronounce laudanum (audio)
ˈlȯ-də-nəm
1
: any of various formerly used preparations of opium
2
: a tincture of opium

Examples of laudanum 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.
You just got told to take some laudanum and go to the baths. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 The youngest brother, Benjamin, a laudanum addict is the black sheep of the family and his costumes are equally dark and rugged. — Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025 In 19th-century Britain, the more fashionable way to ingest opium was to drink it in the form of laudanum. — Sam Kelly, Time, 8 July 2025 There’s so much blood, her eye has been ripped out of the socket — the best Claire can do is cover up Amy’s face and give her as much laudanum as possible for the pain. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laudanum

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of laudanum was circa 1603

Rhymes for laudanum

See All Rhymes for laudanum

Browse Nearby Words

laudableness
laudanum
laudation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

laudanum

noun
lau·​da·​num ˈlȯd-nəm How to pronounce laudanum (audio)
-ᵊn-əm
: a formerly used preparation of opium

Medical Definition

laudanum

noun
lau·​da·​num ˈlȯd-nəm, -ᵊn-əm How to pronounce laudanum (audio)
1
: any of various formerly used preparations of opium
2
: a tincture of opium

More from Merriam-Webster on laudanum

Nglish: Translation of laudanum for Spanish Speakers

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