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 meaning: 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. Generic drugs are allowed for sale after the patents on the original drugs expire. “Flu” is sometimes used generically for any illness caused by a virus. You can substitute generics for brand-name drugs on this health plan. 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: 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. 6. any product, as a food, drug, or cosmetic, that can be sold without a brand name. 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. Meaning of genericin English. generic. adjective. uk. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio. /dʒəˈner.ɪk/us. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio. /dʒəˈner.ɪk/ Add to word listAdd to word list. formal. sharedby, typicalof, or relatingto a wholegroupof similarthings, ratherthan to any particularthing.