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. Wondering about generic vs. brand-name drugs? We explain the main differences, whether generics are less effective, and how to know which is best for you. The meaning of GENERIC is relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class : general. How to use generic in a sentence. Capri pants can be a generic term for any cropped slim pants. […] the essence is that such self-describing poets describe what is in them, but not peculiar to them, – what is generic, not what is special and individual. GENERIC meaning: 1. shared by, typical of, or relating to a whole group of similar things, rather than to any…. Learn more. This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Generic. If an internal link incorrectly led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Generic drugs are allowed for sale after the patents on the original drugs expire. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name drugs, even though they contain the same active ingredient and work the same way. One reason is that generic manufacturers do not have to repeat the extensive clinical trials that established the brand-name drug's safety and effectiveness. GENERIC definition: 1. shared by, typical of, or relating to a whole group of similar things, rather than to any…. Learn more. 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. A generic product, whether it's a tire or donut or drug, is typical of all other products like it. There's nothing distinctive or unique about it.