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 Police identified Scott Hannaford, 50, as the suspect, and arrested him on suspicion of two counts of arson, criminal mischief and possession of cocaine. Pilar Arias, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2024 In a 2004 lawsuit, Clifton White alleged that Zani and a group of officers used a battering ram to illegally enter his home and falsely arrested him for possession of cocaine — charges the suit says were eventually dismissed. Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 16 Mar. 2024 This includes the misuse of alcohol and stimulants, like cocaine or methamphetamines. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 That spike was worsened by the crack cocaine crisis. USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 He was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a knife on school property, cocaine possession, methamphetamine possession and marijuana possession. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2024 Phoenix does indeed rank No. 1 in the U.S. for cocaine use. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 2 Mar. 2024 The works defied explanation — especially by Mr. Way, who was on and off schizophrenia medication and who also struggled with cocaine abuse. Michael S. Rosenwald, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Gutierrez is also facing a felony charge of tampering with evidence for allegedly handing off a baggie of cocaine to another crew member on the night of the shooting. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cocaine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocaine was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near cocaine

Cite this Entry

“Cocaine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocaine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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 to stimulate the central nervous system

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!