: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Poppy seeds, commonly found in baked goods and pastries, can contain opium alkaloids like morphine and codeine, which are Schedule II drugs banned for military personnel under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
—
Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
The report found Quan’s system contained a toxic mix of drugs at the time of his death, which included fentanyl, alprazolam, codeine, promethazine and THC.
RHQ was laid to rest at a celebration of life ceremony in Georgia on Sept. 17, which saw speeches from family members and friends.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024
Nikki was also prescribed both promethazine and codeine.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024
Even though Horton hadn’t taken cough medicine, health officials say consuming poppy seed products can lead to positive results for morphine, codeine or both due to the sensitivity of the drug tests.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for codeine 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
The report found Quan’s system contained a toxic mix of drugs at the time of his death, which included fentanyl, alprazolam, codeine, promethazine and THC.
RHQ was laid to rest at a celebration of life ceremony in Georgia on Sept. 17, which saw speeches from family members and friends.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024
Nikki was also prescribed both promethazine and codeine.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024
Even though Horton hadn’t taken cough medicine, health officials say consuming poppy seed products can lead to positive results for morphine, codeine or both due to the sensitivity of the drug tests.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for codeine
Dictionary Entries Near codeine
Cite this Entry
“Codeine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codeine. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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
Consumer ReportsLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share