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

Vapes are not subject to the ban, but laws restricting the sale of vapes and nicotine products will be strengthened under the new legislation, as will bans on smoking in public places. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026

The legislation that needs approval by King Charles III — a formality — before taking effect will also allow the government to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including flavors and packaging. —Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

Using nicotine or marijuana more often? —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026

The rise of vapes — many of which contain nicotine but look identical to the devices used for weed — introduce a kind of plausible deniability for many characters. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026

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.