vape

American  

[veyp] / veɪp /

noun

1. an e-cigarette for the delivery of nicotine in a vapor, or a similar device for inhaling cannabis, LSD, and certain other easily vaporized drugs; a vape pen.

2. an act or period of vaping.

   It took a few vapes to get used to it.

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verb (used with or without object)

vaped, vaping

1. to draw in and exhale the vapor from (the substance in an e-cigarette or similar device).

   In many places you are allowed to smoke or vape medical cannabis anywhere in public.

   Fully charged, the device allows you to vape all day.

Other Word Forms

• vaper noun

Etymology

Origin of vape

Coined in 1979 by U.S. entrepreneur Brenda Coffee, physician Norman Jacobson, and inventor Jon Philip Ray; shortened from vapor ( def. ) or vaporize ( def. )

Example Sentences

The historic Union Corner, at the junction of Union Street and Gordon Street, was destroyed in the inferno on Sunday night after flames took hold in a vape shop.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Scotland's busiest railway station has been shut since Sunday, after a blaze spread from a vape shop on Union Street through the B-listed Victorian building.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

He said he returned with a fire extinguisher and tried to fight the fire but he heard two explosions in the vape shop and had to turn around.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Verkada, the company that makes the vape sensors Liberty uses, said sales of its sensors have surged 76% in the past year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Alison Nic Craith doesn't vape but thinks the new legislation is "great".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2025