eye drops

plural noun

ˈī-ˌdräps How to pronounce eye drops (audio)
variants or less commonly eyedrops
: a medicated solution for the eyes that is applied in drops
—usually singular and hyphenated when used before another noun
Most cases of chronic glaucoma are treated with eye-drop medications that reduce pressure in the eye.—Oz Hopkins Koglin

Examples of eye drops in a Sentence

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.
But these days, a wide range of treatments are available that can offer relief — from at-home remedies like warm compresses and over-the-counter eye drops to prescription medications. — Maria Godoy, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 Keep sterile saline eye drops in your first aid kit for this emergency. — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire Rhode Island Vermont Nearly 40,000 bottles of eye drops recalled. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The eye drops are sold at stores that include Target, Walmart and Kroger. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eye drops

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eye drops was in 1762

Rhymes for eye drops

See All Rhymes for eye drops

Browse Nearby Words

eyedropperful
eye drops
eyed skate
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Cite this Entry

“Eye drops.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eye%20drops. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

eye drops

noun plural
variants also eyedrops
ˈī-ˌdräps How to pronounce eye drops (audio)
: a medicated solution for the eyes that is applied in drops
eye-drop
-ˌdräp How to pronounce eye drops (audio)
adjective
or eyedrop
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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