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

Parents should also avoid smoking and nicotine use during pregnancy and prevent the baby from being exposed to secondhand smoke after birth. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

The products were largely designed as a harm reduction tool to help smokers transition from combustible cigarettes to a nicotine product with fewer adverse health effects. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

The habits most consistently linked to lower blood pressure include eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, exercising regularly, managing stress, limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco and nicotine products. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

Because high-potency vapes drive up physical tolerance, standard quitting aids — like over-the-counter patches or nicotine gum — can sometimes feel inadequate to a user seeking immediate relief. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 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.