Cigarette Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cigarette

[หŒsษชษกษ™หˆret ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

smoking

A narrow cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking.

Synonyms

butt, cig, smoke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cigarette

This is the formal term and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It's appropriate for use in writing and official conversations.

  • He lit a cigarette and took a deep breath.
  • Please, do not throw your cigarette on the floor.
smoke

Used generally to refer to the act of smoking or sometimes to a cigarette itself. The context can vary from informal to neutral. It can also imply other forms of smoking, such as cigars or pipes.

  • Do you have a light for my smoke?
  • He went out for a smoke during the break.
cig

This is an informal slang term for a cigarette. It is commonly used in casual conversations among friends or in informal settings.

  • Got a spare cig?
  • He stepped outside for a quick cig.
butt

This term usually refers to the remaining part of a cigarette after it has been smoked. It can have a somewhat negative or informal connotation.

  • He dropped the cigarette butt and crushed it under his shoe.
  • There were cigarette butts scattered all over the ground.

Examples of usage

  • He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.
  • She flicked the ash from her cigarette out of the car window.
Context #2 | Noun

object

A thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco wrapped in paper, used for smoking.

Synonyms

cancer stick, ciggy, stogie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cigarette

This is the most common and neutral term used to refer to a rolled tobacco product. It's appropriate for general, formal, or medical contexts.

  • He pulled a cigarette from the pack and lit it.
  • Smoking cigarettes can lead to serious health issues.
ciggy

This is a casual, informal slang term often used in British English to refer to a cigarette. It's used in relaxed or familiar settings.

  • Have you got a spare ciggy?
  • He stepped outside for a quick ciggy.
stogie

This term is generally used to refer to cigars rather than cigarettes. It suggests a larger, often more expensive tobacco product.

  • He took a long draw on his stogie.
  • The old man offered me a stogie from his personal stash.
cancer stick

This term has a negative connotation and is often used to emphasize the harmful health effects of smoking. It is typically used by people who are against smoking.

  • I can't believe you're still smoking those cancer sticks.
  • Those cancer sticks will kill you.

Examples of usage

  • He pulled a cigarette from the pack and put it in his mouth.
  • She reached for a cigarette to help calm her nerves.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word originated from the French word 'cigarette', which means 'little cigar', pointing to its smaller size.
  • Cigarettes became popular in the 19th century with the invention of machines that could roll them quickly.
  • In ancient civilizations, indigenous peoples used tobacco for rituals long before cigarettes were made.

Health

  • Smoking cigarettes is a major risk factor for several diseases, including lung cancer and heart disease.
  • Tobacco contains addictive nicotine, which makes quitting smoking very difficult for many people.
  • Secondhand smoke from cigarettes can also harm those who donโ€™t smoke, leading to a variety of health issues.

Cultural Impact

  • In the 20th century, smoking was often glamorized in movies and advertising, influencing public perception.
  • Some cultures have traditional practices involving smoking, while others have strict regulations against it.
  • The portrayal of smoking in literature and art has evolved, often reflecting societal attitudes towards health.

Economics

  • The tobacco industry is a multibillion-dollar business worldwide, influencing economies, especially in agricultural sectors.
  • Governments often impose high taxes on cigarettes as a way to discourage smoking and to fund health programs.
  • Contrary to popular belief, black-market tobacco products can sometimes be sold at lower prices, affecting legal sales.

Environmental Effects

  • Cigarette butts are the most littered item globally, posing significant environmental challenges due to their slow decomposition.
  • Tobacco farming can lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss in regions where it is heavily cultivated.
  • The production and disposal of cigarettes contribute to pollution, affecting air and soil quality.

Origin of 'cigarette'

The word 'cigarette' originated from the French word 'cigarette', meaning 'small cigar'. Cigarettes have been smoked for centuries, but the modern commercial cigarette as we know it today was popularized in the late 19th century. The mass production and marketing of cigarettes led to their widespread use and eventually to a better understanding of the health risks associated with smoking.


See also: cigar, cigarillo.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,110 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.