fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The evidence also proved that the fentanyl Walker delivered caused the victim’s fatal overdose, prosecutors said. — Ceci Urbanski, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Gregg provided narcotics, including fentanyl, to 31-year-old Alexandrea Hunter, resulting in the woman’s death on Christmas Eve in 2023, according to court documents. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Now the market is mostly powdered fentanyl, and drug deaths are rising. — Josh Katz, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Jimmy, an 18-month-old German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix from Europe, is certified in apprehension and the detection of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fentanyl

• bunnell
• funnel
• tunnel
• multifunctional

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.