-
Definition
-
Definition
-
Example Sentences
-
Word History
-
Phrases Containing
-
Related Articles
-
Entries Near
-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
She was previously arrested at JFK airport in New York in 2021 with 3 kgs of cocaine in her suitcase while traveling from the Dominican Republic.
—
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025
In 1993, he was dismissed from the force after he was accused of running a cocaine ring, according to The New York Times.
—
Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
While hip-hop artists were discovering Stone’s music in the ’80s (and presumably not paying the proper rates for the sampling rights), Stone was getting into crack cocaine, a habit that weighed him down for the whole decade.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
In April 2002, her mother files a wrongful-death lawsuit, accusing Warner of giving Syme cocaine and encouraging her to drive while inebriated.
—
Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cocaine ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2025-02-06--20-43-45-x16ho/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1860, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing cocaine
Dictionary Entries Near cocaine
Cite this Entry
“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on cocaine
Nglish: Translation of cocaine for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of cocaine for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cocaine
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share