heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

ˈhe-rə-

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the U.S. but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

heroinism

ˈher-ə-wə-ˌni-zəm 

ˈhe-rə-

noun

Examples of heroin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Law&Crime, citing Wisconsin court filings, reported that her convictions between 2011 and 2022 included methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine possession, injury by negligent weapon use, and multiple battery counts. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

Compare that to cannabis plants that have higher levels of THC and are classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 24 Nov. 2025

Wildlife at times was used to barter for drugs, too—for example, abalone was traded for methamphetamine and sturgeon exchanged for heroin. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 21 Nov. 2025

These panels can reliably identify heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl, but fail to catch nitazenes, brorphine, or other new synthetic analogs. —Dr. Shravani Durbhakula, Time, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from Heroin, a trademark

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heroin

• heroine

Kids Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly addictive drug made from the opium poppy and stronger than morphine

Medical Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the United States but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

called also acetomorphine, diacetylmorphine, diamorphine