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

In 2025, authorities seized 41 tons of methamphetamine, 23 tons of marijuana, 5 tons of cocaine, 182 kilograms of fentanyl and 166 kilograms of heroin throughout the state. —Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026

Henry, who was a Pro Bowl running back that played for three teams in his seven-year NFL career, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine for financing a drug ring that moved between Colorado and Montana. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026

Henry, a former running back for the Buffalo Bills, pleaded guilty in 2009 for conspiracy to traffic cocaine and was sentenced to three years in prison for financially backing a drug ring. —Sarah Davis, The Hill, 13 Feb. 2026

After his capture, Maduro was brought to New York to face federal charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Feb. 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