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

Marijuana previously was labeled a Schedule 1 drug under Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations, the same category the agency uses for drugs like heroin, ecstasy and LSD. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026

And for Rachel Hunt, there was her sister's 10-year-old child, who offered kindness when her brother died of a heroin overdose in 2018. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026

The organization distributed more than 100 kilograms (approximately 220 pounds) of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine from June 2019 through June 2020, the release said. —Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026

Prince's criminal history is long, including being arrested in Scottdale in 2023 and charged with drug possession with the intent to deliver large amounts of heroin and crack cocaine. —Christopher Derose, CBS News, 7 Jan. 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