tobacco

[ tuh-bak-oh ]

noun

, plural to·bac·cos, to·bac·coes.

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.

tobacco

/ 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

Derived Forms

• toˈbaccoless, adjective

Other Words From

• to·bacco·less adjective
• anti·to·bacco adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tobacco¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tobacco¹

C16: from Spanish tabaco, perhaps from Taino: leaves rolled for smoking, assumed by the Spaniards to be the name of the plant

Example Sentences

So while supporters see an increased tobacco tax as more revenue for the state, disincentives for kids to smoke and a win for public health, the measure could also allow America’s premium tobacco companies to gain market share.

From Fortune

Annapolis juries “awarded the Butlers not only their freedom but also hundreds of pounds of tobacco in damages, lawyer’s fees, and court costs.”

From Washington Post

Possibly we brought in a disease or two, but on the other hand, you hooked us on tobacco.

From Science News

They point to America’s experiences with the alcohol and tobacco industries in particular, which have built their financial empires in large part on some of the heaviest consumers of their products.

From Vox

He's chewed tobacco since he was a young man, and when we're in the office, he also does it elegantly and turns away when he spits.

From Washington Post

Park employees helped John quit tobacco by way of a butts-proof glass enclosure, a drastic change in diet, and regular exercise.

From The Daily Beast

You spice it with blues and skiffle music, and pickle it in alcohol and tobacco smoke.

From The Daily Beast

They want to change bad behaviors—tobacco, alcohol, using a seat belt, anything.

From The Daily Beast

In the dense atmosphere of tobacco and conspiracy, one hot topic has been the death penalty.

From The Daily Beast

My grandfather lived fast and large—he liked his liquor and his tobacco, and he was also an ace gambler.

From The Daily Beast

The segments of the corolla are pointed but on some varieties unequal, particularly that of Shiraz tobacco.

From Project Gutenberg

Tobacco at this period was also rolled up in the leaves of the Palm and smoked.

From Project Gutenberg

Tobacco is a strong growing plant resisting heat and drought to a far (p. 018) greater extent than most plants.

From Project Gutenberg

Botanists have enumerated between forty and fifty varieties of the tobacco plant who class them all among the narcotic poisons.

From Project Gutenberg

European tobacco is lacking in flavor and is less powerful than the tobacco of America.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cigarette
• crop
• smoking