methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn 

-thəm-,

-mən

: a synthetic or semisynthetic compound C₁₀H₁₅N that stimulates the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity, and that is often abused illicitly for its stimulant properties

… methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant whose longtime consumers tend to suffer from paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and violent rages.

—William Finnegan

called also meth, methedrine, speed

compare crystal meth

Examples of methamphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Officer Fadil said the rapper had tested positive for illicit substances — including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC — and he was remanded for two days before his release, per the outlet. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025

But, yeah, the [cartel] tape with the formula for Walter White’s methamphetamine would be more useful to bad guys of any ilk. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025

Residue found inside the device tested positive for methamphetamine. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025

Brandon Wilson-Rogers, 28, and Lastarr Russell, 25, were charged with felony counts of bringing drugs into a jail and transportation of methamphetamine. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methamphetamine

• crystal methamphetamine

Kids Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn 

: a drug derived from amphetamine that is often used illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, ˌmeth-əm-, -mən 

: an amine C₁₀H₁₅N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant

called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed