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

As part of the investigation, authorities seized nearly nine pounds of fentanyl, 120 pounds of methamphetamine, two pounds of heroin, more than six pounds of cocaine, 25 firearms and more than $30,000 in cash. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026

In addition to the arrests, authorities seized four kilograms of fentanyl, more than 54 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly one kilogram of heroin, three kilograms of cocaine, 25 firearms and more than $30,000 in cash, authorities said. —Sean Emery, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

Law enforcement seized 4 kilograms of fentanyl, more than 54 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly 1 kilogram of heroin, 3 kilograms of cocaine, 25 firearms and more than $30,000 in cash, authorities said. —Sean Emery, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026

Officers seized 120 pounds (54 kilos) of methamphetamine, more than eight pounds (four kilos) of fentanyl, along with 25 firearms and more than $30,000 in cash, officials said. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 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