performance-enhancing drug
noun
: a substance (such as an anabolic steroid, human growth hormone, or erythropoietin) that is used illicitly to improve athletic performance
In the United States, more than 1 million elite and recreational athletes use performance-enhancing drugs for muscle building purposes.—
Josiah D. Rich et al.
Josiah D. Rich et al.…33 of the 48 major and minor league players suspended by baseball for using performance-enhancing drugs since the start of 2006 were pitchers.—Sean Gregory
Sean GregoryRoger Bannister, the first person to run a subpar four-minute mile, said today he thought that increased use of blood testing could help curb the use of performance-enhancing drugs by track and field athletes.—The New York Times
—abbreviation PED
The New York TimesExamples of performance-enhancing drug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Two of Beane’s top free-agent signings, defensive end Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, are returning from six-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
—Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Skaggs’ death led to a significant change in Major League Baseball’s drug policy, with players tested for opioids in addition to performance-enhancing drugs.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 15 Oct. 2025
The discipline stems from his 2024 violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
The 30-year-old will be the first British swimmer to join the controversial event, which allows the athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs.
—Paras J. Haji, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for performance-enhancing drug
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Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Skaggs’ death led to a significant change in Major League Baseball’s drug policy, with players tested for opioids in addition to performance-enhancing drugs.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 15 Oct. 2025
The discipline stems from his 2024 violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
The 30-year-old will be the first British swimmer to join the controversial event, which allows the athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs.
—Paras J. Haji, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for performance-enhancing drug
Cite this Entry
“Performance-enhancing drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/performance-enhancing%20drug. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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