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 outlets reported that detectives cited witnesses who said that that Cherry was aware of her mother's daily drug use — specifically of heroin laced with fentanyl. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026

Matthew Harris, of Oakland, allegedly confessed in full to the Wells Fargo bank robbery, expressing remorse and blaming his addiction to fentanyl, authorities said. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026

His non-profit center, Get Your Drugs Tested, offers free drug checking and fentanyl screening to thousands, helping users avoid overdoses and death from the toxic drug supply. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner classified his death as an accident caused by the effects of fentanyl. —Jason Henry, Daily News, 24 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.