heroin

noun

her·o·in | \ ˈher-ə-wən

, ˈhe-rə- \

Definition of heroin

: 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

Other Words from heroin Example Sentences Learn More About heroin

Examples of heroin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Townshend — who has three adult children with ex-wife Karen Astley, and who married musician Rachel Fuller in 2016 — looked for similar relief in cocaine and heroin, but found nothing worked, until sobriety. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, 6 May 2022 Nitazene compounds are typically combined with other drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. — Tori B. Powell, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2022 Dent, who was accused of selling cocaine in Lakewood and crack cocaine and heroin in Cleveland, ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison. — Adam Ferrise, cleveland, 5 Apr. 2022 California Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen, a Republican, introduced a measure that would make penalties for dealing fentanyl just as harsh as those for selling cocaine or heroin. — Geoff Mulvihill, Chron, 3 Apr. 2022 California Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen, a Republican, introduced a measure that would make penalties for dealing fentanyl just as harsh as those for selling cocaine or heroin. — Geoff Mulvihill, ajc, 3 Apr. 2022 Peralta is being held in held without bail in Puerto Rico on unrelated charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin. — NBC News, 20 Mar. 2022 He’s being held without bail in Puerto Rico on unrelated charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2022 Peralta, 47, is currently being held without bail in Puerto Rico, facing charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heroin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About heroin

Dictionary Entries Near heroin

heroic verse

heroin

heroine

Statistics for heroin

Last Updated

14 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Heroin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heroin. Accessed 20 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for heroin

heroin

noun

her·o·in | \ ˈher-ə-wən

Kids Definition of heroin

: a very harmful illegal drug that is highly addictive and is made from morphine

heroin

noun

her·o·in | \ ˈher-ə-wən

Medical Definition of heroin

: 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