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

Data on the prevalence of rare behaviors like heroin use are also often not available to researchers below the national level, even though use and supply vary a great deal across areas. — J. Travis Donahoe, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Cory Monteith, who played glee club co-captain and football team quarterback Finn Hudson, died at 31 in 2013 from a toxic mix of alcohol and heroin. — Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026

Basquiat, who died of a heroin overdose in 1988 at age 27, was previously portrayed by Jeffrey Wright in Julian Schnabel’s 1996 film Basquiat. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026

Douglas said Cameron was addicted to cocaine and heroin, dealt methamphetamine and carried a Glock for protection. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

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