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

Federal officials noted that Diaz in 2013 was sentenced to 6½ years in federal prison for distributing heroin. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2025

Michael Meiser, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing heroin with intent to distribute the drug inside the North County Correctional Facility. —Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025

Be here now, said her poetic boy, her favorite, high that time on heroin. —Literary Hub, 9 July 2025

However, their fledgling romance is eventually interrupted by Doctor Wolf, a heroin supplier and former Nazi, who is also hiding out in Ibiza. —Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025

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