crystal meth

noun

variants or less commonly crystal methamphetamine

: methamphetamine in the form of crystals of its hydrochloride salt C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl when used illicitly for smoking, snorting, or injecting

Crystal meth is so addictive that users often need to make several attempts to break their habit.

—Jeremy Quittner

called also crank, crystal, ice

Examples of crystal meth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Right now, crystal meth is a problem for younger gay men. —Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025

During this time, however, George became addicted to crystal meth, so the lights didn’t work and one wall was covered head-to-toe with mirrors — a literal house of hidden meanings. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2024

Also found inside the car were 22.7 grams of crystal meth, 55.7 grams of a white powder and 17.1 grams of a purple powder, the release said. —Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 1 July 2024

Meanwhile, Penn has publicly supported his son Hopper, 31, to get sober from his addiction to crystal meth. —Charna Flam, People.com, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

meth short for methamphetamine

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crystal meth

• shibboleth
• beth
• breath
• death
• heth
• lethe
• seth
• sheth
• sneath

Medical Definition

crystal meth

noun

variants or crystal methamphetamine

: methamphetamine in the form of crystals of its hydrochloride salt C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl when used illicitly for smoking, snorting, or injecting

called also crank, crystal, ice