hydrocodone

noun

hy·​dro·​co·​done ˌhī-drō-ˈkō-ˌdōn How to pronounce hydrocodone (audio)
: a habit-forming compound that is derived from codeine and is administered in the form of its bitartrate C18H21NO3·C4H6O6 usually in combination with other drugs (as acetaminophen) as an analgesic or cough suppressant

Examples of hydrocodone 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 startup’s Phase 2 trial enrolled 343 patients who’d gotten tummy tuck surgery; they were randomized to receive a high or low dose of Latigo’s experimental pill, a placebo, or a combination of acetaminophen and the opioid hydrocodone. — Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 29 July 2026 Police officers found two hydrocodone pills, a prescription painkiller, in his pocket. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Martin County Sheriff's Office deputies allegedly found two hydrocodone pills in his left pants pocket, according to the police affidavit obtained by PEOPLE on March 31. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 Two hydrocodone pills were found in Woods' pants pocket, the probable cause affidavit said. — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hydrocodone

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrocodone was in 1964

Rhymes for hydrocodone

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Browse Nearby Words

hydrocodimer
hydrocodone
hydrocoele
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Cite this Entry

“Hydrocodone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrocodone. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hydrocodone

noun
hy·​dro·​co·​done ˌhī-drō-ˈkō-ˌdōn How to pronounce hydrocodone (audio)
: a habit-forming compound derived from codeine and administered in the form of its bitartrate C18H21NO3·C4H6O6 usually in combination with other drugs (as acetaminophen) as an analgesic or cough sedative

called also dihydrocodeinone

see hycodan, vicodin
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