tobacco

[tuh-bak-oh]

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.

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

Other Word Forms

• tobaccoless adjective
• antitobacco 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

Murdaugh is a sweaty, volatile mess, addicted to painkillers he hides in a chewing tobacco tin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s replaced chewing tobacco, a habit Zahn quit about four years ago, and it’s come in handy for his portrayal of a coach who needs a nervous habit while praying for wins.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They have no minimum requirements and little common denominator except excluding coal and tobacco producers.

Read more on Barron's

That is the makings of a bad habit—a fast-track to chewing tobacco, which is directly linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma, a horrible disease.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Allowing more vape adverts could encourage smokers to switch, says the boss of one of the world's largest tobacco and vaping manufacturers.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• cigarette 
• crop 
• smoking www.thesaurus.com