Pills: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for small, solid medicine that you swallow. Most common and general term in everyday language.

• The doctor prescribed me some pills for my headache

Broader term that includes all types of medicine or drugs, in various forms, including pills, liquids, injections, etc. Used in more formal or medical contexts.

• The doctor asked if I was on any medication

Solid medicine that is usually flat and round, often with a score line to split them. More specific than pills but commonly used in similar contexts.

• Take two tablets with water every morning

Special kind of pill that has medicine inside a small, usually gelatin container. Often used to make swallowing easier or to control release speed.

• These capsules are designed to dissolve in your stomach slowly

As above, used to refer to small, solid medicinal doses taken orally. Context remains the same as previously described.

• She carries her medication pills in her purse.
• The vitamin pills are easy to swallow.

Can refer to both medicinal and illegal or recreational substances. Context is important to distinguish the meaning. Often used in both medical and legal discussions.

• The pharmacy sells over-the-counter drugs.
• He was arrested for possession of illegal drugs.

Refers specifically to drugs that dull the senses and are often associated with pain relief and illegal use. Has a negative connotation when referring to illegal drug use.

• The patient was given narcotics for pain relief after surgery.
• The police are cracking down on the sale of illicit narcotics.

A broad term that can refer to any kind of material, often used in scientific, legal, or regulatory contexts. In the context of drugs, it can apply to both legal medications and illegal drugs.

• The lab tested various chemical substances.
• The government has strict regulations on controlled substances.