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 outlets reported that detectives cited witnesses who said that that Cherry was aware of her mother's daily drug use — specifically of heroin laced with fentanyl. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026

In 2023, Harris spoke with KTVU about his life for a piece about the transitional housing program, talking frankly about his history with heroin addiction and how the opportunity for housing has been a life changer. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026

Cocaine turned to OxyContin, which turned to heroin. —Olivia Young, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

The order does not legalize marijuana for recreational or medical use under federal law, but removes it from the classification of drugs like heroin, MDMA and LSD. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 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