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

In Spain in the ’80s, there was a moment of freedom and partying that ended with many people getting hooked on heroin and drugs. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

Police confiscated guns, heroin, cocaine and $19,000 in cash when executing a search warrant. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025

Passed by more than 68% of voters, Prop. 36 increased the punishment for two high-profile offenses, repeat petty thefts and repeat use of hard drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamines. —Tom Philp, Mercury News, 20 May 2025

Naloxone can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose from heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and other opioids. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 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