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

This is problematic because nicotine is highly addictive and vape products can have much higher levels of nicotine than traditional cigarettes through extra-strength cartridges or higher voltages. —Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

And some of the chemicals in cigarette smoke, including nicotine, can reduce the supply of oxygen to the fetus. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025

Further proof that GLP-1s are changing people’s relationship to cravings is that these medications have even been shown to curb desires for things like nicotine, alcohol, and opioids. —Myisha Battle, Time, 25 Aug. 2025

Sum-Ping adds that stimulants like caffeine, nicotine or alcohol near bedtime further reduce sleep quality. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Aug. 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.