: 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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For those of you who don’t know, the Scissor Sisters are the world’s greatest disco glam band, something akin to Abba on acid or Culture Club on codeine.
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Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
The most controversial item viewers claimed to spot was a bottle of Tylenol 3 which contains codeine.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
During the operation, agents reportedly seized 14 firearms, over a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, alprazolam, marijuana, hash and over $47,000 in cash.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025
Morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl are all opioids.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
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Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
The most controversial item viewers claimed to spot was a bottle of Tylenol 3 which contains codeine.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
During the operation, agents reportedly seized 14 firearms, over a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, alprazolam, marijuana, hash and over $47,000 in cash.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025
Morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl are all opioids.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for codeine
Cite this Entry
“Codeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codeine. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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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