minipill

American

[min-ee-pil] / ˈmɪn iˌpɪl /

noun

Pharmacology.

an oral birth control pill that contains only a progestin and is to be taken daily without monthly cessation.

minipill British

/ ˈmɪnɪˌpɪl /

noun

a low-dose oral contraceptive containing a progestogen only

"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

Etymology

Origin of minipill

First recorded in 1965–70; mini- + pill ¹

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.

Doctors say that the progestin-only pill - often known as the "minipill" - is a particularly safe form of contraception because it does not contain oestrogen, meaning it has fewer side effects and health risks.

From BBC • Jul. 13, 2023

With a new study confirming a low prevalence of contraindications, he told me that “it’s a no-brainer that the minipill should be available over the counter right away.”

From Slate • Mar. 19, 2012

The combined Pill—while also safe for most women—has a longer list of cautions than the progestin-only minipill to take into consideration.

From Slate • Mar. 19, 2012

Dr. Connell is experimenting with a one-every-day "minipill."

From Time Magazine Archive

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023