tobacco

American  

[tuh-bak-oh] / təˈbæk oʊ /

noun

plural

tobaccos, tobaccoes

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, of the nightshade family, especially one of those species, as N. tabacum, whose leaves are prepared for smoking or chewing or as snuff.

2. the prepared leaves, as used in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.

3. any product or products made from such leaves.

4. any of various similar plants of other genera.

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tobacco British  

/ təˈbækəʊ /

noun

1. any of numerous solanaceous plants of the genus Nicotiana, having mildly narcotic properties, tapering hairy leaves, and tubular or funnel-shaped fragrant flowers. The species N. tabacum is cultivated as the chief source of commercial tobacco

2. the leaves of certain of these plants dried and prepared for snuff, chewing, or smoking

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Other Word Forms

• antitobacco adjective
• tobaccoless adjective

Etymology

Origin of tobacco

1525–35; < Spanish tabaco, perhaps < Arawak: a pipe for smoking the plant, or roll of leaves smoked, or the plant

Example Sentences

In Jaipur, you will find the most sublime examples of centuries-old architecture defaced by tobacco stains and jostling for space with a car mechanic's workshop.

From BBC

Since the tobacco industry started the trade, sports cards have endured changes through generations, each defined by specific characteristics.

From Los Angeles Times

To make the fakes, sanctioned North Korean companies must procure raw tobacco from around the world.

From The Wall Street Journal

Images of Ahmed Al Ahmed—a Syrian man who immigrated to Australia two decades ago and owns a tobacco shop in Sydney—tackling one of the attackers sped around the world quickly after Sunday’s assault.

From The Wall Street Journal

Manufacturing was up 2.2% in the quarter, driven by food, beverage, and tobacco manufacturing, the data showed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cigarette
• crop
• smoking