: 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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However, analysts and experts who previously spoke with CBS News after Maduro was indicted said that much of the cocaine that comes into the United States actually bypasses Venezuela.
—
Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Traditionally, most illicit drugs have come from plants that are cultivated on a large scale, such as marijuana, opium and heroin from poppies, and cocaine from coca leaves.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 18 May 2026
At the time of the recording, Orozco-Toro and the confidential source were discussing details of large shipment of cocaine from Colombian through The Bahamas.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
Fentanyl can be made year-round and smuggled into the United States in small doses as opposed to marijuana or cocaine, which both come from plants that are harvested seasonally and must be smuggled in large quantities to be profitable.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026
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Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Traditionally, most illicit drugs have come from plants that are cultivated on a large scale, such as marijuana, opium and heroin from poppies, and cocaine from coca leaves.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 18 May 2026
At the time of the recording, Orozco-Toro and the confidential source were discussing details of large shipment of cocaine from Colombian through The Bahamas.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
Fentanyl can be made year-round and smuggled into the United States in small doses as opposed to marijuana or cocaine, which both come from plants that are harvested seasonally and must be smuggled in large quantities to be profitable.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 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 20 May. 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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