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

Wittels, who had been open about his addiction issues, fatally overdosed on heroin six days later. —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025

Late Famous is the second fiction feature from after Jones after 2018 drama Diane, starring Mary Kay Place as a selfless woman navigating a toxic relationship with her heroin addict son. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025

Investigators learned Woerpel bought heroin in Chicago. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025

The process of making anti-venom hasn’t changed much since the 1890s (when, just for some context, doctors were still prescribing heroin for coughs). —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 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