nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈni-kə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous alkaloid C₁₀H₁₄N₂ that is the chief active principle of tobacco and is used as an insecticide

Examples of nicotine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new regulations do, however, include a reduction in authorized nicotine levels in vaping products, as well as strict limits on flavors like cotton candy, which critics say are designed to appeal to young people. —Lisa Klaassen, CNN Money, 1 July 2025

Steps to take include going to sleep and waking up at the same times every day and avoiding electronics, large meals, and coffee, alcohol, or nicotine before bed.15 The average weight for men in the U.S. is about 200 pounds. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 24 June 2025

Double standards like these are not just an issue in the nicotine industry. —Markus Lindblad, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Even among teens, nicotine use is shifting from vapes back to traditional cigarettes. —John Samuels, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin nicotiana

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nicotine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous substance found in tobacco and used as an insecticide

Medical Definition

nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn 

: a poisonous alkaloid C₁₀H₁₄N₂ that is the chief active principle of tobacco and that is used as an insecticide and is sometimes used in smoking cessation aids

Note: Trademarks for nicotine include Nicoderm, Nicorette, and Nicotrol.