heroin

noun

her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən How to pronounce heroin (audio)
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 noun

Examples of heroin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The synthetic opioid is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025 Ian, an 28-year-old amateur mixed-martial-arts fighter who lives in the Pacific Northwest, had success using powdered kratom leaf to kick a heroin and Oxycodone addiction. Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025 On her way home, Bendawald flagged her down in Eagle in his personal pickup truck and searched her car and found methamphetamine and heroin, according to her testimony and court records. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2025 Kennedy has spoken openly about his use of heroin, an opioid. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heroin

Word History

Etymology

from Heroin, a trademark

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heroin was in 1898

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Cite this Entry

“Heroin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heroin. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

heroin

noun
her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən How to pronounce heroin (audio)
: a strongly addictive drug made from the opium poppy and stronger than morphine

Medical Definition

heroin

noun
her·​o·​in ˈher-ə-wən How to pronounce heroin (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on heroin

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