: a morphine derivative C18H21NO3·H2O that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used especially as an analgesic and antitussive
Examples of codeine in a Sentence
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The mixture, also known as purple drank, sizzurp, or dirty sprite, usually contains prescription-strength cough syrup that usually contains codeine or promethazine and a soft drink.
—
Dan Raby, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Medical marijuana could soon be reclassified into a medical category that includes prescription drugs like Tylenol with codeine, ketamine and anabolic steroids.
—Chris Meyers, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
When codeine was first isolated from the opium poppy, in 1832, scientists understood that it was chemically related to morphine but believed that the two drugs worked through different mechanisms.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
If the federal government completes the process, marijuana will be reclassified as a Schedule III drug, which is used for drugs with accepted medical benefits that still have addiction potential, including steroids, ketamine and Tylenol with codeine.
—Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
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Dan Raby, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Medical marijuana could soon be reclassified into a medical category that includes prescription drugs like Tylenol with codeine, ketamine and anabolic steroids.
—Chris Meyers, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2026
When codeine was first isolated from the opium poppy, in 1832, scientists understood that it was chemically related to morphine but believed that the two drugs worked through different mechanisms.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
If the federal government completes the process, marijuana will be reclassified as a Schedule III drug, which is used for drugs with accepted medical benefits that still have addiction potential, including steroids, ketamine and Tylenol with codeine.
—Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for codeine
Cite this Entry
“Codeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codeine. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
codeine
noun
co·deine
ˈkō-ˌdēn 
ˈkōd-ē-ən
: a drug that is obtained from opium, is weaker than morphine, and is used as a pain reliever and in cough remedies
Medical Definition
codeine
noun
co·deine
ˈkō-ˌdēn, ˈkōd-ē-ən
: a morphine derivative that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used chiefly in the form of its sulfate (C18H21NO3)2·H2SO4 or phosphate C18H21NO3·H3PO4 especially as a pain reliever and cough suppressant
Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.—Consumer Reports
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