methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈme-thə-ˌdōn 

variants or less commonly methadon

ˈme-thə-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

Examples of methadone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Colorado, the number of methadone clinics more than doubled, from 25 to 54 in five years. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

Hair-follicle tests showed the girl had methadone in her system, while the boy tested positive for methamphetamine and methadone. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

The drug is one of several medications, along with methadone and naltrexone, used for this purpose. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

The lawmakers also demanded financial details from the big methadone clinic chains. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methadone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

Medical Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₁H₂₇NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

called also amidone