: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C17H21NO4 obtained from coca leaves that is used especially in the form of its hydrochloride medically as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need
Examples of cocaine in a Sentence
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Alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and opioids increase dopamine release in the pathway; so do gambling and social media.
—
Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Erik Duran, 38, was found guilty in the August 2023 death of Eric Duprey, who was speeding away from undercover police along a sidewalk in the Bronx after allegedly being busted for selling them $20 worth of cocaine, trial testimony revealed, the New York Post reported.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The New York Times reported Duprey sold an undercover police detective $20 worth of cocaine before trying to flee on the scooter.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
There was a drug bust in Nassau County this week, 700 pounds of cocaine worth $20 million.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
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Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Erik Duran, 38, was found guilty in the August 2023 death of Eric Duprey, who was speeding away from undercover police along a sidewalk in the Bronx after allegedly being busted for selling them $20 worth of cocaine, trial testimony revealed, the New York Post reported.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The New York Times reported Duprey sold an undercover police detective $20 worth of cocaine before trying to flee on the scooter.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
There was a drug bust in Nassau County this week, 700 pounds of cocaine worth $20 million.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cocaine
Cite this Entry
“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cocaine
noun
co·caine
kō-ˈkān 
ˈkō-ˌkān
: a bitter habit-forming drug obtained from coca leaves and used in medicine to deaden pain and illegally for its euphoric effects
Medical Definition
cocaine
noun
co·caine
kō-ˈkān, ˈkō-ˌ
: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C17H21NO4 obtained from coca leaves that is used medically especially in the form of its hydrochloride C17H21NO4·HCl as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need
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