morning-after pill

or morn·ing af·ter pill

[ mawr-ning-af-ter pil ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an emergency contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse, typically by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing a fertilized egg from being implanted in the uterus.

morning-after pill

noun

1. an oral contraceptive that is effective if taken some hours after intercourse

Word History and Origins

Origin of morning-after pill¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

It calls for removing the “morning-after pill” Ella from the contraceptive mandate.

From Los Angeles Times

Materials from Miller’s administration show the costs for victims’ prescriptions for oral contraceptives and the Plan-B morning-after pill, as well as for the prevention or treatment of sexually transmitted infections, were reimbursed at 75%.

From Seattle Times

The morning-after pill, which prevents pregnancy, is currently available only by prescription.

From Seattle Times

Taking a common arthritis drug together with the morning-after pill Plan B could boost the contraceptive’s effectiveness, according to new research published Wednesday.

From Seattle Times

It’s stocked with ibuprofen, pregnancy tests and the morning-after pill.

From Washington Times