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

In 2021, methamphetamine accounted for nearly three-quarters of drug seizures by the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, according to the most recent data from the county public health department. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

According to Medoza, Peters also implied that the vial of medication, which is not approved by the FDA, also included a blend of drugs, including methamphetamine. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2026

An investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and had an outstanding warrant. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 May 2026

Authorities also allege Yolanda Iriarte-Avila, 40, served as a supplier of methamphetamine to the couple, and Jesus Morales-Landel, 33, worked as a street-level drug dealer in the MacArthur Park area. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026

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