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 Ketamine, a legal medication commonly used as an anesthetic, has gained popularity in recent years as both a clinical treatment for depression and a recreational drug. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024 It has also been used as a recreational drug for decades. Avery Lotz, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024 Spike honored his brother Chris after his death in 2014 As an adult, Spike had a falling out with his brother Chris, who used recreational drugs at points in his life. Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 8 Aug. 2024 In the decades that followed, her organization has faced a new enemy, one of the oldest recreational drugs: alcohol. Kaitlyn Pohly, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for recreational drug 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recreational drug.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 11 Sep. 2024.

Medical Definition

recreational drug

noun
rec·​re·​a·​tion·​al drug ˌrek-rē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl- How to pronounce recreational drug (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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