: 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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The measure was condemned for its disproportionate impact on African Americans, who were more likely to possess crack than the more expensive cocaine.
—
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
The indictment also alleges one count of international drug distribution conspiracy based on his involvement in the distribution of five kilograms of cocaine or more, and two substantive counts of international drug distribution, according to the release.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2025
Henley previously served 13 years in prison for trying to rob an undercover sheriff’s deputy of 33 pounds of cocaine.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
In June 2024, boaters off the coast of the Florida Keys found 65 pounds of cocaine floating in the ocean, just weeks after divers found about 55 pounds of cocaine about 100 feet underwater off Key West.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
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Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
The indictment also alleges one count of international drug distribution conspiracy based on his involvement in the distribution of five kilograms of cocaine or more, and two substantive counts of international drug distribution, according to the release.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2025
Henley previously served 13 years in prison for trying to rob an undercover sheriff’s deputy of 33 pounds of cocaine.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
In June 2024, boaters off the coast of the Florida Keys found 65 pounds of cocaine floating in the ocean, just weeks after divers found about 55 pounds of cocaine about 100 feet underwater off Key West.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cocaine
Cite this Entry
“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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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