noun
ibuprofen
uh-ih-byoo-PROH-fuhn
Ibuprofen (noun) means a common over-the-counter drug used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and calm inflammation. Example: “She took some ibuprofen for her headache.”
noun
1
A common over-the-counter drug used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and calm inflammation.
"She took some ibuprofen for her headache."
"The doctor recommended ibuprofen to bring down the swelling in his ankle."
How to use ibuprofen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA widely used painkiller and anti-inflammatory, sold under brand names like Advil and Nurofen.
Common mistake
Not the same as paracetamol/acetaminophen, which works differently and doesn't reduce inflammation.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
take ibuprofen
a dose of ibuprofen
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ibuprofen.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- ibuprofens
- Third person singular
- ibuprofens
- Past tense
- ibuprofened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She took some _____ for her headache.
Etymology
A blended name built from parts of its chemical structure: iso-butyl + propionic acid + phenyl.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “ibuprofen” mean?
The word “ibuprofen” means a common over-the-counter drug used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and calm inflammation. In plain terms, a widely used painkiller and anti-inflammatory, sold under brand names like Advil and Nurofen.
How do you pronounce “ibuprofen”?
“Ibuprofen” is pronounced uh-ih-byoo-PROH-fuhn (/ˌaɪ.bjuˈpɹoʊ.fən/ in IPA).
How do you use “ibuprofen” in a sentence?
Here is “ibuprofen” used in a sentence: “She took some ibuprofen for her headache.”
What part of speech is “ibuprofen”?
“Ibuprofen” is a noun.
