heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

ˈhe-rə-

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the U.S. but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

heroinism

ˈher-ə-wə-ˌni-zəm 

ˈhe-rə-

noun

Examples of heroin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By then, people had turned to cheaper generic oxycodone, and from there to heroin, then to fentanyl and now, to fentanyl analogues and whatever new opioid is on the street. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026

The epidemic's death toll was first driven by prescription opioids, then heroin, and most recently — and most deadly — fentanyl. —ABC News, 1 May 2026

Suboxone is meant to ease people off opioids like heroin and fentanyl. —Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 1 May 2026

Federal prosecutors accuse the Mexican state officials of playing an instrumental role in the cartel’s efforts to move massive amounts of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines into the United States. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from Heroin, a trademark

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heroin

• heroine

Kids Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly addictive drug made from the opium poppy and stronger than morphine

Medical Definition

heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən 

: a strongly physiologically addictive narcotic C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ that is made by acetylation of but is more potent than morphine and that is prohibited for medical use in the United States but is used illicitly for its euphoric effects

called also acetomorphine, diacetylmorphine, diamorphine