# nicotine

/ˈnɪkəˌtin/ (US) · /nˈɪkətˌiːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nicotine
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the chemical substance

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the addictive chemical found in tobacco plants and cigarettes.

For teachers: a nitrogenous organic compound found in tobacco that acts as a potent stimulant and is highly addictive. Uncountable in its general sense.

- Many people find it hard to quit smoking because their bodies are used to the nicotine.
- Research indicates that nicotine reaches the brain within seconds of inhalation, triggering a release of dopamine that reinforces the smoking habit.

### 2. tobacco products

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a way to refer to cigarettes or tobacco in general.

For teachers: a metonymic reference to tobacco or cigarettes themselves. Used figuratively to describe the habit or the product.

- He decided he needed to get away from the nicotine and started exercising instead.
- After twenty years of heavy use, he finally managed to kick the nicotine for good, though the cravings persisted for months.

## Examples

- Nicotine is the substance that makes cigarettes so addictive.
- Many people use patches or gum to slowly reduce their intake of nicotine when trying to quit smoking.
- While nicotine itself is not the primary carcinogen in tobacco smoke, its highly addictive nature ensures repeated exposure to the other harmful toxins present in cigarettes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.