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

During Odom’s plea hearing in August, prosecutors presented evidence that Odom had methadone, methamphetamine, and amphetamine in his system and had been receiving methadone treatment for approximately two years. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Both deaths were a toxic combination of fentanyl, methadone and methamphetamine. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

The post showed tests failed to find traces of amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, ecstasy, opiates and buprenorphine, a prescription opioid. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

The long guitar solo by Derek Trucks with the beautiful vocal lead-in by Susan Tedeschi is methadone to the ears. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 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