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

Nearly all visitors prosecuted since 2021 were for drug contraband, including possession or introduction of drugs to the prison, including fentanyl, marijuana, meth, heroin, suboxone and other drug paraphernalia. —Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025

Matthew died of an accidental heroin overdose in 2001. —Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

Ian, an 28-year-old amateur mixed-martial-arts fighter who lives in the Pacific Northwest, had success using powdered kratom leaf to kick a heroin and Oxycodone addiction. —Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025

On her way home, Bendawald flagged her down in Eagle in his personal pickup truck and searched her car and found methamphetamine and heroin, according to her testimony and court records. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 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