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

Carroll County officers arrested a Baltimore man during a traffic stop in Finksburg on Wednesday after discovering cocaine and fentanyl on his person. —Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026

Instead, the medication was laced with fentanyl. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

While the still-popular HBO series has always engaged with the subject of harder drugs, its increasing focus on opioids and fentanyl in Season 3 has solidified into a radically different tone. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026

The third wave involved fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid now produced illicitly in mass quantities. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 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.