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

Outside the show, Cloud died in July 2023 at age 25 from an accidental overdose of a mix of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and benzodiazepines, per the Alameda County Coroner's Office at the time. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026

Such activities cause dopamine to be released at around 50-100% of normal levels, while cocaine comparatively increases dopamine by 350%, and methamphetamine by 1500%. —William Proctor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026

Greek police seized nearly 600 pounds of cocaine inside a banana shipment in August 2025. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026

The cartel used his business to ship cocaine hidden inside packages of frozen vegetables to the United States. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 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