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

Abortion pills should be available in pharmacies like the morning-after pill.

From The Daily Beast

There was similar opposition to birth control, the morning-after pill—every contraceptive.

From The Daily Beast

Democrats say such amendments would “ban IUDs, the morning-after pill, in-vitro fertilization, and all abortions.”

From The Daily Beast