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

As part of the proposal, the first violation of selling tobacco or alternative nicotine products to a minor would be a fine of between $1,000 to $2,500 and suspension of the tobacco license for not less than 14 consecutive days. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Oral nicotine pouches, NJOY e-vapor products and—through a joint venture with JT Group called Horizon Innovations—heated tobacco products. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Nicotine pouches — which users tuck between their lip and gum — can contain as much as 6 milligrams of nicotine. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Still, the researchers concluded the findings suggest that replacing cigarettes with alternative nicotine products may not eliminate the risk of certain eye diseases. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 26 June 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.