mi·cro·dose
ˈmī-krō-ˌdōs
plural microdoses
: an extremely small dose
The province has shifted to making a microdose of the measles vaccine available for infants under age one who are not yet old enough for their first full vaccination but still at risk of severe measles complications.—Jackie Carmichael
: such as
a
: a smaller than typical amount taken of a psychoactive substance (such as THC or LSD)
These self-experimenters take a very small amount of … LSD to try to reduce anxiety, stress and depression. … This isn't a full-blown acid trip—or even close. If you see visions, it's not a microdose.—Carla K. Johnson
There's no set definition for a microdose. But it's generally considered to be 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose. A psilocybin microdose is typically about 0.3 grams of dried mushroom.—Deanna Altomara
—sometimes used before another nouninfused with microdose THC
b
: an amount of a medication and especially a GLP-1 medication taken that is significantly less than the standard dosing guidelines
There are many reasons people seek out microdoses of weight-loss medications. For some, they've been on standard doses before and now need microdoses to maintain their new weight. For others, they may only want to lose a small amount of weight or lose weight more gradually. Others may only be able to afford smaller doses.—Charles Trepany
variants
or less commonly micro-dose
microdosed also micro-dosed; microdosing also micro-dosing; microdoses also micro-doses
1
transitive + intransitive
: to take or administer a very small amount of a drug (such as a psychoactive substance or a GLP-1 medication) : to take or administer a microdose
Instead of throwing in the towel on the sleep aid, many people are now microdosing melatonin as an ideal way to use this supplement.—Gayle Guyardo
A person who microdoses LSD typically takes about 10 micrograms, just a tenth or twentieth of the amount normally taken for a "trip," or psychedelic experience …—Franziska Spiecker
At the start of the pandemic, I coped with my frayed nerves by exercising, meditating, even microdosing THC, all of which brought a modicum of relief.—Annabelle Gurwitch
2
transitive
: to add a microdose to (something)
Their Terra Milk Chocolate Bites are crafted with sustainably-sourced cacao and microdosed with THC, offering just enough to feel the effects without overwhelming your senses.—Matt Rozo
microdoser
noun
plural microdosers
Cite this Entry
“Microdose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microdose. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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