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
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.
Musk has a history of recreational drug use, The Wall Street Journal reported last year. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025 Musk has previously admitted his history of recreational drug use. Nik Popli, Time, 30 May 2025 Musk dodged a question about a New York Times report detailing his extensive recreational drug use, including large quantities of ketamine and psychedelic mushrooms, which reportedly alarmed those around him. Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 30 May 2025 The Homer Glen Village Board voted Wednesday to ban nitrous oxide sales after village officials learned some people buy the product in tobacco and vape stores for recreational drug use. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recreational drug

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recreational drug was in 1967

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Cite this Entry

“Recreational drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recreational%20drug. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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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