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

With social media, it may be difficult to prove causation for an individual, but once we consider population-level research, the link is undeniable, as it was with tobacco.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Experts continue to stress the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

He said it was the responsibility of politicians to protect children and argued that the issue should be treated no different to alcohol or tobacco: "There must be clear rules in the digital world too."

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Some speculate that the rulings could open the door to an intense regulatory crackdown on social-media companies, similar to the historic tobacco settlements of the 1990s.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

For this kind, medicine folk would have to sing certain songs while they harvested the tobacco plants in the mountains.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

• cigarette
• crop
• smoking