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

These panels can reliably identify heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl, but fail to catch nitazenes, brorphine, or other new synthetic analogs. —Dr. Shravani Durbhakula, Time, 19 Nov. 2025

An actor, model, singer, and dancer, Harvey died of a heroin and cocaine overdose in Los Angeles in 1998. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Nov. 2025

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than​ morphine, according to the California Department of Public Health. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 16 Nov. 2025

Nitazenes work by binding to the opioid receptors to stop or reduce the intensity of pain, just like heroin, fentanyl, or other opioids, Townsend explains. —Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 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