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.
Is the primary aim to eradicate nicotine entirely or to reduce harm swiftly and effectively by transitioning users to alternatives quickly? — Markus Lindblad, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Good on state Attorney General Tish James for filing suit against 13 companies that make, distribute or sell vaping products for their part in getting more and more kids hooked on nicotine. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025 In recent years, more young children had been landing in emergency rooms, poisoned by liquid nicotine. — Annie Waldman, ProPublica, 22 Feb. 2025 This approach sought to balance harm reduction with preventing a new generation from developing nicotine addiction. — Thomas Stratmann, National Review, 14 Feb. 2025 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

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Browse Nearby Words

nicotine
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Cite this Entry

“Nicotine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nicotine. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of nicotine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nicotine

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