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

The story was based on a 1969 nonfiction book by Robin Moore that described how narcotics detectives Eddie Egan and Sonny Grosso dismantled a drug smuggling ring in the early 1960s that netted 120 pounds of heroin. —Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025

After investigators unsealed the packages, prosecutors said two Bibles, with an estimated 23 grams of heroin hidden in the spines of the books, were located. —Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 18 Feb. 2025

In 1977, Richards was arrested at an upscale Toronto hotel after Canadian Mounties found 22 grams of heroin in his suite. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2025

During the search, authorities found a 357 revolver, 7.7 grams cocaine, 235 bags of heroin, 16.1 grams of crack, a 9mm Springfield XDS pistol and $2,609. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 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