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

House Bill 535 would impose harsher minimum sentences for anyone convicted of trafficking fentanyl. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 8 Apr. 2026

Rue has spent the past five years ferrying fentanyl across the Mexican border, working off her debt to stateside dealer Laurie (Martha Kelly). —Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026

Matt Capelouto, whose daughter Alexandra died after taking a pill laced with fentanyl, said accurate classifications could influence public policy. —Julie Watts, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

His cause of death was later confirmed as an accidental overdose due to cocaine, methamphetamine, benzodiazepines and fentanyl. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 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.