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.
The item was later determined to be crack cocaine, the sheriff’s office said. — Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026 Washed up loads of cocaine and marijuana are a fairly common sight in the Keys. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 5 July 2026 Trump has argued that the strikes are stanching the influx of cocaine into the United States. — Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 McNicholas pointed out that there are still listings for things like Colombian cocaine, and wondered if law enforcement can shut them down. — Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 1 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing cocaine

Rhymes for cocaine

See All Rhymes for cocaine

Browse Nearby Words

coca
cocaine
cocaine family
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Cite this Entry

“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of cocaine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cocaine

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