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

Although Parker, his primary idol and mentor, urged him to stay clean, Rollins developed a heroin habit that eventually led to his arrest and 10-month imprisonment. —Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

For example, heroin is a Schedule I drug. —Dara Kass, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

Their neighbours include Oli (Jay Lycurgo), a loveable goofball who deals heroin to make ends meet, and Conor (Daryl McCormack), whose struggles with alcohol intensify as his pregnant wife Sophie (Lucie Shorthouse) nears her due date. —Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026

There would be heroin dens and gay bars and this underbelly of popular culture at the time. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 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