nicotine

noun

nic·​o·​tine ˈni-kə-ˌtēn How to pronounce nicotine (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the first time, Gallup asked about consumption of nicotine pouches, small sachets placed between the upper lip and gum that allow direct absorption of nicotine into the bloodstream. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 California lawmakers on Wednesday passed legislation that would ban disposable nicotine vapes. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 The devices deliver addictive nicotine, and the vapors can cause lung and throat irritation. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 For instance, social media platforms and online forums are exceptionally valuable for monitoring substance use trends, including emerging and resurging drugs such as xylazine, nicotine pouches and cocaine. — Thu T. Nguyen, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nicotine

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin nicotiana

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nicotine was in 1817

Rhymes for nicotine

See All Rhymes for nicotine

Browse Nearby Words

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
nicotine
nicotined
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nicotine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nicotine. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

nicotine

noun
nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn How to pronounce nicotine (audio)
: a poisonous substance found in tobacco and used as an insecticide

Medical Definition

nicotine

noun
nic·​o·​tine ˈnik-ə-ˌtēn How to pronounce nicotine (audio)
: 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.

More from Merriam-Webster on nicotine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nicotine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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