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recreational drug
noun
: a drug (such as cocaine, marijuana, or methamphetamine) used without medical justification for its psychoactive effects often in the belief that occasional use of such a substance is not habit-forming or addictive
Examples of recreational drug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Payne reportedly had a recreational drug that is typically made up of MDMA, ketamine and methamphetamine in his system.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
The next 150 years of nitrous The rise of anesthetics like nitrous in medicine was accompanied by a decline in their use as recreational drugs.
—Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Here are three mind-blowing facts about dolphins that showcase their astonishing intelligence, as well as their peculiar behaviors—from recreational drug use to echolocation abilities that could rival technology on submarines.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
Nicotine, alcohol, and recreational drug use can also cause trouble sleeping.18
Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy
Trouble sleeping is more common in women, especially during menopause.
—Carley Millhone, Health, 10 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1967, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of recreational drug was
in 1967
Dictionary Entries Near recreational drug
Cite this Entry
“Recreational drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recreational%20drug. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
recreational drug
noun
rec·re·a·tion·al drug
ˌrek-rē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl-
: a drug (as cocaine, marijuana, or methamphetamine) used without medical justification for its psychoactive effects often in the belief that occasional use of such a substance is not habit-forming or addictive
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