intravenous

adjective

in·​tra·​ve·​nous ˌin-trə-ˈvē-nəs How to pronounce intravenous (audio)
: situated, performed, or occurring within or entering by way of a vein
an intravenous injection
also : used in or using intravenous procedures
an intravenous solution
intravenously adverb

Examples of intravenous 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.
He was examined, placed on intravenous fluids and had multiple samples of blood drawn, the suit said. — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 In August of that same year, he was hospitalized for an infection that required intravenous antibiotic treatment. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 Doctors treat patients with intravenous fluids and a drug called atropine, which restores a normal heart rhythm. — Prayan Pokharel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 How in-suite IV drips work A licensed practitioner sets up an intravenous line in the guest’s room and administers a saline solution mixed with vitamins, minerals or other additives. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intravenous

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intravenous was circa 1849

Phrases Containing intravenous

Rhymes for intravenous

See All Rhymes for intravenous

Browse Nearby Words

intravascular
intravenous
intravenous immunoglobulin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intravenous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intravenous. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intravenous

adjective
in·​tra·​ve·​nous ˌin-trə-ˈvē-nəs How to pronounce intravenous (audio)
: being within or entering by way of the veins
intravenous feeding
intravenously adverb

Medical Definition

intravenous

adjective
in·​tra·​ve·​nous ˌin-trə-ˈvē-nəs How to pronounce intravenous (audio)
1
: situated within, performed within, occurring within, or administered by entering a vein
an intravenous feeding
intravenous inflammation
2
: used in intravenous procedures
intravenous needles
an intravenous solution
intravenously adverb
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