methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn 

-thəm-,

-mən

: a synthetic or semisynthetic compound C₁₀H₁₅N that stimulates the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity, and that is often abused illicitly for its stimulant properties

… methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant whose longtime consumers tend to suffer from paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and violent rages.

—William Finnegan

called also meth, methedrine, speed

compare crystal meth

Examples of methamphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities found 19 pounds of marijuana, about 9 pounds of methamphetamine, 100 grams of crack cocaine and 156 cellphones, along with other narcotics, according to officials. —Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2025

Troopers arrested Jose Duarte-Campos, 41, on suspicion of unlawfully aiming a laser at an aircraft, driving under the influence of drugs and possession of methamphetamine. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025

During the operation, Hodge sold more than 200 grams of methamphetamine to undercover detectives, police said. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

Jeremy’s drug test came back negative, but Jessica’s came back positive for methamphetamine, according to police. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methamphetamine

• crystal methamphetamine

Kids Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn 

: a drug derived from amphetamine that is often used illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, ˌmeth-əm-, -mən 

: an amine C₁₀H₁₅N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant

called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed