: a morphine derivative C18H21NO3·H2O that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used especially as an analgesic and antitussive
Examples of codeine in a Sentence
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But a blood sample taken at his autopsy, and later tested, determined that the baby had died of codeine-and-morphine poisoning.
—
David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
In 2022, the same year Kaitlin tested positive for codeine, the Department of Defense noticed a surge in personnel on military bases blaming positive tests on poppy seeds.
—Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026
Once it’s completed, cannabis will be classified under federal law as Schedule III, along with regulated pharmaceuticals like anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine.
—Hannah Parker, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
Tylenol with codeine, for example, is considered a Schedule III drug, as are certain other prescription drugs like Valium, painkillers, appetite suppressants, and some steroid and hormone medications.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
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David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
In 2022, the same year Kaitlin tested positive for codeine, the Department of Defense noticed a surge in personnel on military bases blaming positive tests on poppy seeds.
—Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026
Once it’s completed, cannabis will be classified under federal law as Schedule III, along with regulated pharmaceuticals like anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine.
—Hannah Parker, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
Tylenol with codeine, for example, is considered a Schedule III drug, as are certain other prescription drugs like Valium, painkillers, appetite suppressants, and some steroid and hormone medications.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for codeine
Cite this Entry
“Codeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codeine. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
codeine
noun
co·deine
ˈkō-ˌdēn 
ˈkōd-ē-ən
: a drug that is obtained from opium, is weaker than morphine, and is used as a pain reliever and in cough remedies
Medical Definition
codeine
noun
co·deine
ˈkō-ˌdēn, ˈkōd-ē-ən
: a morphine derivative that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used chiefly in the form of its sulfate (C18H21NO3)2·H2SO4 or phosphate C18H21NO3·H3PO4 especially as a pain reliever and cough suppressant
Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.—Consumer Reports
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