noun
Uncommon
contraceptive
KON-truh-sehp-tihv
Contraceptive (noun) means a device, drug, or method used to prevent pregnancy. Example: “She started taking a contraceptive pill after speaking to her doctor.”
noun
1
A device, drug, or method used to prevent pregnancy.
"She started taking a contraceptive pill after speaking to her doctor."
adjective
1
Designed to prevent pregnancy.
"Condoms are a widely available contraceptive method."
How to use contraceptive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething used to stop pregnancy from happening.
Common pairings
contraceptive pill
contraceptive method
oral contraceptive
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Word forms
- Plural
- contraceptives
- Comparative
- more contraceptive
- Superlative
- most contraceptive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She started taking a _____ pill after speaking to her doctor.
Etymology
Coined in the 1900s from contra- ("against") plus conceptive, echoing contraception.
Class of 1900
contraceptive joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Synonyms
View more →
preventive
preventative
prophylactic device
contraceptive device
birth control device
prophylactic
antifertility
Related words
Rhymes for contraceptive
See all rhymes for contraceptive →Frequently asked questions
What does “contraceptive” mean?
The word “contraceptive” means a device, drug, or method used to prevent pregnancy. In plain terms, something used to stop pregnancy from happening.
How do you pronounce “contraceptive”?
“Contraceptive” is pronounced KON-truh-sehp-tihv (/ˈkɒn.tɹəˌsɛp.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “contraceptive” in a sentence?
Here is “contraceptive” used in a sentence: “She started taking a contraceptive pill after speaking to her doctor.”
What part of speech is “contraceptive”?
Depending on how it is used, “contraceptive” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “contraceptive” come from?
The word “contraceptive” dates back to around 1900. Coined in the 1900s from contra- ("against") plus conceptive, echoing contraception.
Is “contraceptive” a common word?
“Contraceptive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “contraceptive” have?
“Contraceptive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device, drug, or method used to prevent pregnancy.
