cocaine

noun

co·​caine kō-ˈkān How to pronounce cocaine (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During a search of his residence, investigators reportedly seized two kilograms of cocaine, 39 grams of fentanyl, two handguns, two loaded gun magazines and an empty gun magazine, according to court records. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2025 David Smith is arrested for possession of cocaine, and his father—a former university president also named David—hires a local lawyer to help clear his record. The Atlantic, 15 May 2025 She is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a narcotic drug, unlawful possession of a syringe, all Level 6 felonies, plus one misdemeanor. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 Throughout the trial, Ventura has been open about her prior dependence on opioids, as well as her use of MDMA, ecstasy, ketamine, mushrooms, cocaine, marijuana and other drugs. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cocaine

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocaine was in 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cocaine

noun
co·​caine kō-ˈkān How to pronounce cocaine (audio)
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 How to pronounce cocaine (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cocaine

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