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

Duress, who spent time behind bars before his acting career, was a homeless heroin dealer on the lam from authorities during the filming of Heaven Knows What. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026

Public health experts warn sports betting apps trigger the same part of the brain as heroin and can easily lead to addictive behavior. —Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026

Other drugs in this category include heroin, marijuana, and LSD. —Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

Sadeh interviewed residents of the Sylmar encampment who said Harker was addicted to heroin and known to break into parked cars. —Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 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