- Definition
- Definition
- Example Sentences
- Word History
- Phrases Containing
- Related Articles
- Entries Near
-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
: 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
She was previously arrested at JFK airport in New York in 2021 with 3 kgs of cocaine in her suitcase while traveling from the Dominican Republic.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025
In 1993, he was dismissed from the force after he was accused of running a cocaine ring, according to The New York Times.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
While hip-hop artists were discovering Stone’s music in the ’80s (and presumably not paying the proper rates for the sampling rights), Stone was getting into crack cocaine, a habit that weighed him down for the whole decade.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
In April 2002, her mother files a wrongful-death lawsuit, accusing Warner of giving Syme cocaine and encouraging her to drive while inebriated.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cocaine
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1860, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing cocaine
Dictionary Entries Near cocaine
Cite this Entry
“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on cocaine
Nglish: Translation of cocaine for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of cocaine for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cocaine
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share