dose

1 of 2

noun

ˈdōs How to pronounce dose (audio)
Synonyms of dosenext
1
a
: the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed
2
: a portion of a substance added during a process
3
: an amount of something likened to a prescribed or measured quantity of medicine
a daily dose of hard work
a dose of scandal
4
: a gonorrheal infection

dose

2 of 2

verb

dosed; dosing

transitive verb

1
: to give a dose to
especially : to give medicine to
2
: to divide into doses
dose a medicine
3
: to treat with an application or agent

Examples of dose in a Sentence

Noun I've been taking the same dose for five years. a large dose of vitamin C The drug is lethal even in small doses. a large dose of sugar a high dose of radiation Her parents hoped a daily dose of hard work would keep her out of trouble. He needs a good dose of reality. Verb Most patients are dosed at 50 milligrams per day.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
To many, no other dessert exemplifies indulgence, legacy, craft — and maybe even a friendly dose of snobbery — quite like Sant Ambroeus’ principessa cake. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 While the hobby is fun and aesthetically pleasing, many of the women are there for a dose of community and friendly competition. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
Myocarditis, in particular, has been most typically seen in adolescent and young adult males within a week of their second mRNA Covid vaccine dose, but the CDC says that most patients respond well to medicine and rest and feel better quickly. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Follow recommended dosing instructions on the product label or from your healthcare provider. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dose

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin dosis, from Greek, literally, act of giving, from didonai to give — more at date

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dose was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing dose

Rhymes for dose

See All Rhymes for dose

Browse Nearby Words

dosage response
dose
dos gris
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dose. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dose

1 of 2 noun
ˈdōs How to pronounce dose (audio)
1
a
: the measured amount of a medicine to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation given or absorbed
2
: a portion of a substance added during a process
3
: an experience to which one is exposed
a dose of hard work

dose

2 of 2 verb
dosed; dosing
1
: to give medicine to
2
: to treat with something

Medical Definition

dose

1 of 2 noun
ˈdōs How to pronounce dose (audio)
1
a
: the measured quantity of a therapeutic agent to be taken at one time
b
: the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed
2
: a gonorrheal infection

dose

2 of 2 verb
dosed; dosing

transitive verb

1
: to divide (as a medicine) into doses
2
: to give a dose to
especially : to give medicine to
3
: to treat with an application or agent

intransitive verb

: to take medicine
he is forever dosing but he gets worse

More from Merriam-Webster on dose

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dose

Nglish: Translation of dose for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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