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

According to Ross, Nichols tested positive for alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, drugs administered by paramedics and hospital staff, and marijuana products. —Jack Armstrong, USA Today, 2 May 2025

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, 26 Apr. 2025

Using alcohol and certain stimulants or drugs (like nicotine, marijuana, amphetamines, and more) can impact how your eyes look. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 1 Apr. 2025

Unlike cigarettes, nicotine pouches are alarmingly easy for teen-agers to conceal. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 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.