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 law was aimed at reducing recreational cocaine and heroin use by mandating a doctor’s prescription for access and removing the ability to include the drugs in over-the-counter remedies – and in products like soda. —Ryan Wilusz, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Trafficking between 18 and 36 grams of heroin/morphine/opium. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026

The decedent lived in a dilapidated house, but in a respectable neighborhood, and I was therefore deluged with credit card offers addressed to the late debtor, a long-time devoted heroin addict. —George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2026

But Reef is also five years sober from a destructive heroin addiction that the adoring public thankfully is unaware of. —Josh Spiegel, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 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