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

There were emerging signs that heroin from Myanmar is reaching markets in Europe previously supplied by Afghanistan, with several seizures over the past year that involved passengers travelling from Southeast Asia to Europe. —CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025

Robinson said then that his company was continuing to sell 7-OH products despite a July recommendation by the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services that the Drug Enforcement Administration classify 7-OH as a Schedule I substance alongside drugs like heroin and cocaine. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025

Authorities detailed multiple purchases of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl in the alleys surrounding a Brunt Street stash house. —Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 2 Dec. 2025

Coleman was previously adjudicated, or found guilty, of possession of heroin with intent to deliver as a juvenile, according to the complaint. —David Clarey, jsonline.com, 1 Dec. 2025

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