heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

ˈhe-rə-

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the U.S. but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

heroinism

ˈher-ə-wə-ˌni-zəm 

ˈhe-rə-

noun

Examples of heroin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The interception comes as Kenya confronts growing concerns over synthetic drugs, particularly along the coast, where health and law-enforcement officials have reported increasing problems involving methamphetamine and heroin. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than heroin, has transformed the nation's illicit drug supply over the past decade. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

About 95% of the cases involved fentanyl, a synthetic fentanyl analog or heroin, the commission’s report found. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

In May 2023, the Los Angeles medical examiner determined the cause to be the effects of fentanyl and heroin. — Deborah Day, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from Heroin, a trademark

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heroin

• heroine

Kids Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly addictive drug made from the opium poppy and stronger than morphine

Medical Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the United States but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

called also acetomorphine, diacetylmorphine, diamorphine