methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈme-thə-ˌdōn 

variants or less commonly methadon

ˈme-thə-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

Examples of methadone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Access to lifesaving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) such as methadone and buprenorphine has also increased. —Lipi Roy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

And so, most EMTs, paramedics, and medical directors have not learned that there are extremely effective treatments—buprenorphine, methadone, and naloxone—for treating opioid addiction and preventing fatal overdoses. —Melody Glenn july 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025

The test shows apparent negative results for the following substances: benzodiazepines, amphetamines, ecstasy, barbiturates, buprenorphine, cocaine, ketamine, methadone, meperidine, zolpidems, opiates, PCP, oxycodone, propoxyphene, cannabinoids, tramadol, ethanol, fentanyl and carisoprodol. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

These medications include methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone. —Katherine Lemasters, The Conversation, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methadone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

Medical Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₁H₂₇NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

called also amidone