fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Police said officers discovered fentanyl and drug paraphernalia at the home, and an autopsy determined the cause of death to be acute fentanyl toxicity, according to court documents. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

The alleged family-run trafficking group conducted multiple sales of drugs including meth and fentanyl, often involving quantities of about one pound or more, prosecutors said. —Jasmine Mendez follow, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Two people were arrested when police allegedly found fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs during a traffic stop in South Windsor on Monday. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026

In the premiere, Rue and Faye run drugs across the border, clenching their butts to hold bags of fentanyl in their digestive tract for as long as possible. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.