methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce methamphetamine (audio)
-thəm-,
-mən
: a synthetic or semisynthetic compound C10H15N that stimulates the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C10H15N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity, and that is often abused illicitly for its stimulant properties
methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant whose longtime consumers tend to suffer from paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and violent rages.William Finnegan

called also meth, methedrine, speed

compare crystal meth

Examples of methamphetamine 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.
Sun Sentinel Deputies kill garden shear-wielding Florida man who swam through alligators Timothy Schulz, who had a long history of methamphetamine abuse, shook off a gator bite and two Tasings, Polk Sheriff Grady Judd said. South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025 Passed by more than 68% of voters, Prop. 36 increased the punishment for two high-profile offenses, repeat petty thefts and repeat use of hard drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamines. Tom Philp, Mercury News, 20 May 2025 Prosecutors said the couple, who were in the midst of a multi-day methamphetamine binge, tortured Cristina by leaving her alone in the sweltering car for five hours and 42 minutes on Aug. 15, 2019. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 17 May 2025 The deadliest versions of such counterfeit drugs may also contain fentanyl, methamphetamine or other dangerous drugs such as Xylazine that may lead to overdose and death. Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for methamphetamine

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methamphetamine was in 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Methamphetamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methamphetamine. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

methamphetamine

noun
meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce methamphetamine (audio)
: a drug derived from amphetamine that is often used illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

methamphetamine

noun
meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, ˌmeth-əm-, -mən How to pronounce methamphetamine (audio)
: an amine C10H15N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C10H15N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant

called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed

More from Merriam-Webster on methamphetamine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!