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 Independence Police Department is actively investigating the sale of five Barbie dolls that included fentanyl taped inside the toys' packaging from discount store Cargo Largo in Independence, Missouri, the Independence Police Department shared in a Facebook post on March 21. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Wilson said 72% of overdose deaths in South Carolina in 2023 were related to fentanyl. —Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026

Boston Police recover meth, ecstasy, fentanyl during arrest Boston Police arrested a Brockton man on drug charges in the area around East Brookline Street following community complaints, the department said in a statement. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026

The records also suggest the use of law enforcement to smuggle cocaine and fentanyl through Colombian ports. —Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 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.