Word
heroin
Phoneticshero·in
US/ˈhɛɹoʊən/
UK/hˈɛɹəʊˌɪn/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a powerful and illegal drug made from opium that people often inject or smoke.
n. a potent, highly addictive semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine; it is classified as a Schedule I narcotic in many jurisdictions.
Examples
“The police arrested the man for selling heroin.”
“Public health officials are working to reduce the number of deaths caused by heroin overdoses in the city.”
“The documentary explores the devastating impact of heroin addiction on rural communities, focusing on the lack of accessible rehabilitation centers for those seeking recovery.”
Examples
simple
“The police arrested the man for selling heroin.”
contextual
“Public health officials are working to reduce the number of deaths caused by heroin overdoses in the city.”
complex
“The documentary explores the devastating impact of heroin addiction on rural communities, focusing on the lack of accessible rehabilitation centers for those seeking recovery.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the substance in general; countable only in specific forensic or chemical contexts.
Teaching tip
Learners frequently confuse the spelling of this drug with 'heroine' (a female hero). Note that the drug never has an 'e' at the end.
Pitfall
The story's heroin was very brave.
The story's heroine was very brave.
Do not confuse 'heroin' (the drug) with 'heroine' (a female hero). They sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.
Real-World Examples
“Drugs such as heroin were seen as dangerous and bad, so they were banned.” “Cravings ‘like heroin withdrawal’: what happens when weight-loss drugs don’t work?” Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
- Register
- Technical
QR code
englishreference.com/q/heroin