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 Gutierrez is also facing a felony charge of tampering with evidence for allegedly handing off a baggie of cocaine to another crew member on the night of the shooting. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 From March 2018 to September 2021, the Cab Louie Delivery Service sold more than 15 kilograms of cocaine, which is equivalent to nearly 24,000 bags of cocaine. USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024 But the month-long trial revealed parts of Mizell's life that the hip-hop icon tried to keep out of the public eye -- mainly his role in trafficking cocaine. Jessica Moore, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 Jordan has also been charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and will be tried at a later date, per the DOJ. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2024 With an afloat schedule packed with exercises, trainings and exchanges, the aged ship was still able to prevent nearly 4,000 pounds of cocaine and 5,400 pounds of marijuana from entering the United States. Craig Hooper, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 At that time, Mike Favor was newly sober after 13 years of active cocaine addiction. Krista Stevens, Longreads, 26 Feb. 2024 Related article This soccer star has been handed a six-year prison sentence in absentia for trafficking cocaine. Jacob Lev, CNN, 24 Feb. 2024 The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year that Musk — who has been locked in a close race with Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault for the title of richest person in the world — is an occasional user of cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, and mushrooms, among other drugs. William Gavin, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cocaine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocaine was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near cocaine

Cite this Entry

“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 to stimulate the central nervous system

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

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