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

The coroner’s report later confirmed a lethal combination of heroin and cocaine, along with marijuana, Valium, and an over-the-counter cold medicine. —William Earl, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025

Marijuana is currently a Schedule I drug, the same category as heroin and ecstasy. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Aug. 2025

But in a 2009 NPR piece, Sheila Jordan said her husband's heroin addiction led him to abandon her and their small daughter, Traci. —Petra Mayer, NPR, 11 Aug. 2025

La Perla was once known as a major distribution hub for heroin, which brought high rates of violence to the area. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 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