diphenhydramine
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of diphenhydramine
First recorded in 1945–50; diphen(yl) + hydr- 2 + amine
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.
Anticholinergics also include diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in over-the-counter products like Benadryl.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 8, 2026
And while sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine might help you sleep at night, they don't treat the cough itself.
From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2025
The over-the-counter antihistamines I used to take, which contain diphenhydramine, “were never really systematically studied for their effects on sleep,” Dr. Krystal said.
From New York Times ● Apr. 7, 2022
Taking antihistamines such as diphenhydramine at night can slightly reduce itchiness and it has the benefit of helping you sleep better.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 10, 2021
Medical solutions range from an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine as needed for the itching that can result from mild eczema to topical prescription steroid cream for more serious cases.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2011
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
