Relating to or being a product that is sold or distributed without any brand name or without a widely known brand name, especially as a discount alternative to a name-brand product: generic soap. Generic refers to the members of a whole class of things — like tissue, a generic word for any soft, thin piece of paper that's good for wiping runny noses. GENERIC definition: of, applicable to, or referring to all the members of a genus, class, group, or kind; not specific; general. See examples of generic used in a sentence. The meaning of GENERIC is relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class : general. How to use generic in a sentence. GENERIC definition: 1. shared by, typical of, or relating to a whole group of similar things, rather than to any…. Learn more. Generic definition: Specifying neither masculine nor feminine gender. Comprehensive guide to generic : meaning, definition, origin, usage, and more. Perfect for students, writers, and language enthusiasts. A generic drug or other product is one that does not have a trademark and that is known by a general name, rather than the manufacturer's name. Generic drugs are as effective as those with brand names. Doctors sometimes prescribe cheaper generic drugs instead of more expensive brand names. You can search for generic equivalents by using the Electronic Orange Book on the FDA, or at drugs@FDA and search by the active or generic ingredient name. A full list of products will appear, including generic and branded names, and the name of the manufacturer. Find 22 different ways to say GENERIC, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.