laxative

1 of 2

adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sə-tiv How to pronounce laxative (audio)
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation

laxative

2 of 2

noun

: a usually mild laxative drug

Examples of laxative in a Sentence

Noun The doctor prescribed a laxative.
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.
Adjective
Citrate is cheapest but its mild laxative effect can backfire at night. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026 Aloe vera juice has a laxative effect and may help relieve heartburn. — Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 21 June 2026
Noun
No laxative prep or dietary changes are needed. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 27 May 2026 If the caffeine has already moved further along, doctors may use a laxative or a gastric lavage, which washes out the stomach through a tube. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for laxative

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxativus, from Latin laxatus, past participle of laxare to loosen, from laxus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laxative was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

laxate
laxative
laxism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective
lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv How to pronounce laxative (audio)
: tending to relieve constipation

laxative

2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation compare purgative

Medical Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective
lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv How to pronounce laxative (audio)
1
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically : relieving constipation
2
: lax sense 2
laxatively adverb

laxative

2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild laxative drug

More from Merriam-Webster on laxative

Nglish: Translation of laxative for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laxative

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