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

It was often mixed with heroin or into counterfeit pills, most likely because adding fentanyl could make a small amount of heroin, then in short supply, go a lot further. —Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025

Brand founded the charity following his own recovery from heroin addiction in 2003. —Caroline Frost, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025

The packages contained Bibles, which contained a total of about 23 grams of heroin hidden in the spines, according to prosecutors. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

During the investigation, Bessette said authorities found 648 bags of heroin, 24.3 grams of crack, 13.7 grams of marijuana, 43.1 grams of crack cocaine, 563 glassine bags packaged for sale and $2,307. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from Heroin, a trademark

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

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