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

Among them was De’Neil Timberlake, 5, who was found dead in a Bronx apartment in 2024 after allegedly ingesting his father’s methadone. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026

Drugs found in his system included methadone, tramadol (a painkiller) and alprazolam. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

During intake, Patton reported a history of fentanyl use and said he was enrolled in a methadone treatment program. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Smiley Martin died in custody in 2024 from methadone toxicity. —Richard Ramos, CBS News, 15 Apr. 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