cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān 

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

The Cali cartel would control some 80 percent of the world’s cocaine supply until two years later. —Abigail R. Hall, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

Falcone in August of 2004 had arranged to meet up with Franklin to buy cocaine in Brockton. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

Their arrests are part of the crime agency's investigation into an enormous cocaine haul that was seized at Southhampton Docks earlier this month. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

He was accused of running a crew that dealt crack, powder cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Jamaica, Queens. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cocaine

• crack cocaine

Rhymes for cocaine

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids 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