: any of a genus (Nicotiana) of chiefly American plants of the nightshade family with viscid foliage and tubular flowers
especially: a tall erect annual tropical American herb (N. tabacum) cultivated for its leaves
2
: the leaves of cultivated tobacco prepared for use in smoking or chewing or as snuff
3
: manufactured products of tobacco (such as cigars or cigarettes)
also: smoking as a practice
has sworn off tobacco
4
: a moderate brown
Illustration of tobacco
tobacco 1
Examples of tobacco in a Sentence
a farm that grows tobacco
a state tax on tobacco
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The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of pipe tobacco, orange zest, and baking spices.—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 In the colonial era, plantation crops like tobacco, indigo and rice were important exports.—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025 The liquid is vibrant despite its elevated age, with a deep palate full of notes of cherry, brown sugar, black pepper, pipe tobacco, leather, and flamed orange peel.—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 June 2025 Exposure to tobacco, vape or e-cigarette smoke, air pollution, high temperatures (or a combination of these) also can increase asthma risks in kids.—Dr. Clinton Dunn, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tobacco
Word History
Etymology
Spanish tabaco, probably from Taino, roll of tobacco leaves
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