amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
-mən
: a racemic compound C9H13N or one of its derivatives (such as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) that is a stimulant of the central nervous system, is often abused illicitly, and is used clinically especially in the form of its sulfate C9H13N·H2SO4 to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant

Examples of amphetamine in a Sentence

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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.
Users usually chew it for an effect similar to amphetamines, or it is dried and boiled to create a stimulant tea. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Khat is a recreational drug native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that is typically chewed for its amphetamine-like effects, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Having a conversation with Gold House founder Bing Chen isn’t terribly dissimilar from taking an amphetamine. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than six kilograms of methamphetamine pills, about 600 grams of metonitazene pills and about 300 grams of pills containing a synthetic amphetamine, officials said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for amphetamine

Word History

Etymology

a(lpha) entry 2 + m(ethyl) + phe(n-) + et(hyl) + amine

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphetamine was in 1938

Rhymes for amphetamine

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Browse Nearby Words

ampherotoky
amphetamine
amphi-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amphetamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphetamine. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

amphetamine

noun
am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
-mən
: a compound or one made from it used medically to increase the activity of the central nervous system but often abused for its stimulant effects

Medical Definition

amphetamine

noun
am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio) -mən How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
: a racemic sympathomimetic amine C9H13N or one of its derivatives (as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) that is a stimulant of the central nervous system, is frequently abused illicitly often leading to dependence, and is used clinically especially in the form of its sulfate C9H13N·H2SO4 to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant see adderall

More from Merriam-Webster on amphetamine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amphetamine

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