Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

adaptogen

American  
[uh-dapt-uh-juhn, -jen] / əˈdæpt ə dʒən, -dʒɛn /

noun

adaptogens plural
  1. a substance, usually derived from a plant, that is alleged to support the body while it is under stress and help it return to normal functioning afterward.


adaptogen British  
/ əˈdæptədʒən /

noun

  1. any of various natural substances used in herbal medicine to normalize and regulate the systems of the body

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Nouns

Etymology

Origin of adaptogen

C20: from adapt + -gen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

She began taking supplements including an adaptogen blend and a herbal tonic to aid with stress management.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 1, 2025

Grass&Co told us it's their mission "to deliver high-strength natural adaptogen and vitamin-packed blends formulated by experts... which are supported by approved health claims."

From BBC Aug. 9, 2025

While ashwagandha has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, only recently has it become more popular in the United States, where it is marketed as a so-called "adaptogen" for enhancing one's life.

From Salon Jul. 15, 2023

Compost seems to act like an adaptogen for soil.

From Seattle Times Aug. 18, 2022

Droplet sells a three-can sampler of its sparkling adaptogen drinks, Pretty Balanced, Pretty Happy and Pretty Bright, for $20.

From New York Times Jan. 20, 2022

A new category of beverages advertises so-called adaptogens, ingredients that companies claim can help you manage stress, enhance creativity and sharpen focus.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 18, 2024

De Soi, a non-alcoholic aperitif made with natural adaptogens.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 25, 2024

There are theories about why people may report less stress after taking ashwagandha, based on what experts know about adaptogens overall.

From Seattle Times Apr. 10, 2023

Many adaptogens are also marketed as helping consumers manage stress.

From Salon Mar. 3, 2022

As members sipped from their glasses, Joey Rubin, a leader of the group’s Los Angeles chapter, explained that the drink contained adaptogens, herbs said to increase focus and stimulate creativity.

From New York Times Mar. 2, 2022

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training