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

Douglas said that Cameron was addicted to cocaine and heroin, dealt methamphetamine and carried a Glock for protection. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Bourdain survived heroin and cocaine addiction, built a whole-new life in his mid-40s, and became a beloved global figure. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

The picture is a first-rate thriller about the investigation and crackdown of a heroin-smuggling operation, set mostly in New York, and scripted by Ernest Tidyman from the Robin Moore book. — Craig Fisher, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

McDonnell noted that Skid Row had seen a recent resurgence of crack cocaine use, along with other drugs such as PCP and heroin. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 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