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Word

dose

noun C1
UK /ˈdəʊ̯s/
US /ˈdoʊ̯s/

Meanings

noun

a measured amount of medicine or a drug taken at one time

dose: a measured amount of medicine or a drug taken at one time
noun

a measured amount of exposure to something such as radiation

dose: a measured amount of exposure to something such as radiation
noun

an experience of something, especially something unpleasant or unwelcome, that someone has to endure

dose: an experience of something, especially something unpleasant or unwelcome, that someone has to endure

Definition

A dose is a measured amount of a medicine or drug taken at one time.

A dose is a specific, measured amount of a medicine, drug, or other substance taken at one time. It can also mean one measured exposure to something, like radiation. In everyday speech, it can be used figuratively to mean an experience of something unpleasant or a bit of reality. The word is often used with quantities, timing, and frequency.

Examples

  • I took a dose with breakfast and felt steady enough to get through the morning.
  • You should never double a dose just because you missed one earlier.
  • She measured the dose carefully before giving the medicine to her child.
  • They received a small dose during the procedure, and the team monitored them closely.
  • His comments were a harsh dose of reality after weeks of optimistic planning.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse dose (a single measured amount) with dosage (the overall prescribed amount and schedule).