: 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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Police arrested Andy Alcantara-Beltre, 33, of Dorchester and charged him with unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition, trafficking a Class A substance (over 100 grams), and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (crack cocaine).
—
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Detectives recovered nearly two pounds of cocaine and approximately $500,000.
—Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
In their charging documents, prosecutors allege Maduro, his wife and his son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, engaged in a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy and partnered with cartels designated as terrorist groups.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Maduro is facing four charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
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Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Detectives recovered nearly two pounds of cocaine and approximately $500,000.
—Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
In their charging documents, prosecutors allege Maduro, his wife and his son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, engaged in a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy and partnered with cartels designated as terrorist groups.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Maduro is facing four charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 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 14 Jan. 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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