: 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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Carroll County officers arrested a Baltimore man during a traffic stop in Finksburg on Wednesday after discovering cocaine and fentanyl on his person.
—
Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
At the time, Rodriguez was awaiting trial on charges of cocaine possession with intent to sell, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and trespassing, officials said.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
However, this study proved that the benzoylecgonine was actually more potent in changing fish behavior than the raw cocaine.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
The Hungarian national, 48, stands accused of running a criminal organization specializing in cocaine and ecstasy trafficking, from at least mid-2014 through April 2015, according to Europol.
—CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
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Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
At the time, Rodriguez was awaiting trial on charges of cocaine possession with intent to sell, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and trespassing, officials said.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
However, this study proved that the benzoylecgonine was actually more potent in changing fish behavior than the raw cocaine.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
The Hungarian national, 48, stands accused of running a criminal organization specializing in cocaine and ecstasy trafficking, from at least mid-2014 through April 2015, according to Europol.
—CBS News, 20 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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