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

As a result, meth offenses today come with the toughest penalties of any drug, even deadly fentanyl. —Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026

Hussain said he was motivated to create the product after fentanyl killed his 19-year-old cousin about a decade ago. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

And the majority of American fentanyl overdoses and deaths come from Mexico. —NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026

The main benefit, according to Haile, is that the vaccine would reduce the potential health dangers of fentanyl. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 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

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.