: 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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During search of the vehicle, state police reportedly located 21 kilograms of cocaine hidden in two compartments that were installed under each front seat, court records said.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
The months-long investigation culminated in the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine and the arrest of four men accused of using the subterranean passageway to funnel drugs into the United States, according to a June 1 news release from federal prosecutors in Southern California.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Investigators said the tunnel was being used to smuggle cocaine.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
In her letter, which contained redactions, Schubert also took note of Weathers’ two prior felony convictions for possession of rock cocaine and one prior conviction for felony assault with force likely to inflict great bodily injury in February 2009.
—Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
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Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
The months-long investigation culminated in the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine and the arrest of four men accused of using the subterranean passageway to funnel drugs into the United States, according to a June 1 news release from federal prosecutors in Southern California.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Investigators said the tunnel was being used to smuggle cocaine.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
In her letter, which contained redactions, Schubert also took note of Weathers’ two prior felony convictions for possession of rock cocaine and one prior conviction for felony assault with force likely to inflict great bodily injury in February 2009.
—Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cocaine
Cite this Entry
“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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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