ibuprofen

American  

[ahy-byoo-proh-fuhn, ahy-byoo-proh-fen] / ˌaɪ byuˈproʊ fən, aɪˈbyu proʊˌfɛn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white powder, C 13 H 18 O 2 , used especially in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic.

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ibuprofen British  

/ aɪˈbjuːprəʊfən /

noun

1. a drug, isobutylphenylpropionic acid, that relieves pain and reduces inflammation: used to treat arthritis and muscular strains. Formula: C 13 H 18 O 2

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ibuprofen Scientific  

/ ī′byo̅o̅-prō′fən /

1. An anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce fever or pain.

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Etymology

Origin of ibuprofen

First recorded in 1965–70; by contraction, rearrangement and respelling of isobutylphenyl propionic acid, the chemical name

Example Sentences

“I have such anxiety about putting things in my body, like I won’t even take ibuprofen sometimes,” she says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Avoid taking painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, according to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Many studies have found that mifepristone is as safe as ibuprofen and safer than Viagra.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

Most NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, inhibit both, which is why doctors recommend taking them with food rather than on an empty stomach.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

I reach for a bottle of ibuprofen and I shake some out.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh