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

As the pair wait to find out if Alpha is destined to become another petrified victim of the virus, her estranged uncle Amin (Tahar Rahim) comes back into the picture, plagued by the symptoms of heroin withdrawal. —Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 12 Dec. 2025

During a five-month investigation, police determined that the group was selling fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Reclassifying weed would group it with drugs such as steroids or Tylenol with codeine rather than heroin and LSD. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025

Within the organization, there were several high-level partners operating as wholesale distributors selling heroin to other dealers. —Aliya S. King, VIBE.com, 6 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