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.
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 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

Dictionary Entries Near heroin

Cite this Entry

“Heroin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heroin. Accessed 21 Feb. 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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