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 past year has seen a growing number of influencers, many of whom are aligned with the Make America Healthy Again movement, promoting nicotine as a health product. — Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026

Beyond gas, nicotine pouches, beverages, and foodservice were common callouts as sales growth drivers for the cohort, according to JPMorgan analyst Thomas Palmer. — Norah Rami, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

The survey first began asking about nicotine pouches like Zyn in 2023. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026

Most of the products were flavored nicotine vapes, which accounted for 76% of the items seized. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin nicotiana

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nicotine

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

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.