cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān How to pronounce cocaine (audio)
ˈkō-ˌkān
: 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
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.
Toxicology testing later confirmed the women had ingested fentanyl and not cocaine, prosecutors said. — Nicole Alarcon, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The Cutter Tampa’s crew returned to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale ferrying 29,600 pounds of cocaine and 2,355 pounds of marijuana. — David Goodhue october 15, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 Douglas said Cameron was addicted to cocaine and heroin, dealt methamphetamine and carried a Glock for protection. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 It was also noted the powder at the bottom of the pill bottle was identified as cocaine. — Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cocaine

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocaine was in 1860

Phrases Containing cocaine

Rhymes for cocaine

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Browse Nearby Words

coca
cocaine
cocaine family
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Cite this Entry

“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cocaine

noun
co·​caine kō-ˈkān How to pronounce cocaine (audio)
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 How to pronounce cocaine (audio)
: 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cocaine

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