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 measure was condemned for its disproportionate impact on African Americans, who were more likely to possess crack than the more expensive cocaine. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

The indictment also alleges one count of international drug distribution conspiracy based on his involvement in the distribution of five kilograms of cocaine or more, and two substantive counts of international drug distribution, according to the release. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2025

Henley previously served 13 years in prison for trying to rob an undercover sheriff’s deputy of 33 pounds of cocaine. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025

In June 2024, boaters off the coast of the Florida Keys found 65 pounds of cocaine floating in the ocean, just weeks after divers found about 55 pounds of cocaine about 100 feet underwater off Key West. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025

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