Smoking: meaning, definitions and examples

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smoking

[ ˈsmoʊkɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Noun}

health

The act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or a drug.

Synonyms

cigarette smoking, tobacco use.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smoking	It appears 'smoking' was repeated; please refer to the first entry.
tobacco use	Broader term that encompasses all forms of consuming tobacco, including chewing, snuffing, and smoking. Often used in formal or medical contexts. Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases. The government is implementing measures to reduce tobacco use among teens.
cigarette smoking	Specific term for smoking cigarettes, often used in discussions about health risks or habits. Cigarette smoking can lead to serious health issues. The clinic offers programs to help people quit cigarette smoking.

Word

Description / Examples

smoking

It appears 'smoking' was repeated; please refer to the first entry.

tobacco use

Broader term that encompasses all forms of consuming tobacco, including chewing, snuffing, and smoking. Often used in formal or medical contexts.

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases.
The government is implementing measures to reduce tobacco use among teens.

cigarette smoking

Specific term for smoking cigarettes, often used in discussions about health risks or habits.

Cigarette smoking can lead to serious health issues.
The clinic offers programs to help people quit cigarette smoking.

Examples of usage

Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer.
He decided to quit smoking for the sake of his health.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

social

The practice of smoking tobacco in a pipe, cigar, or cigarette.

Synonyms

cigar smoking, tobacco consumption.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smoking	General term for the act of inhaling smoke from any burning substance, usually referring to cigarettes. Often used in health, social, and regulatory discussions. Smoking is prohibited in this building. He quit smoking for his health.
tobacco consumption	General term that includes all forms of tobacco use, including smoking, chewing, and snuffing. Often used in scientific, public health, and policy discussions. Can refer to both smoking and non-smoking forms of tobacco use. Tobacco consumption has decreased over the past decade. Doctors warn about the risks of tobacco consumption.
cigar smoking	Specifically refers to the act of smoking cigars. Often associated with social, celebratory, or luxurious settings. Indicates a specific type of smoking that might suggest a different context compared to cigarette smoking. Cigar smoking is common during celebratory events. He enjoys cigar smoking while playing golf.

Word

Description / Examples

smoking

General term for the act of inhaling smoke from any burning substance, usually referring to cigarettes. Often used in health, social, and regulatory discussions.

Smoking is prohibited in this building.
He quit smoking for his health.

tobacco consumption

General term that includes all forms of tobacco use, including smoking, chewing, and snuffing. Often used in scientific, public health, and policy discussions. Can refer to both smoking and non-smoking forms of tobacco use.

Tobacco consumption has decreased over the past decade.
Doctors warn about the risks of tobacco consumption.

cigar smoking

Specifically refers to the act of smoking cigars. Often associated with social, celebratory, or luxurious settings. Indicates a specific type of smoking that might suggest a different context compared to cigarette smoking.

Cigar smoking is common during celebratory events.
He enjoys cigar smoking while playing golf.

Examples of usage

Smoking was once a common social activity at gatherings.
She enjoyed the ritual of smoking a pipe after dinner.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

action

To inhale and exhale the smoke of tobacco or a drug.

Synonyms

inhale, puff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smoking	This term is best used when referring to the general act or habit of inhaling and exhaling smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or other substance. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the situation. She decided to quit smoking last year Smoking is not allowed in this area
puff	This term is used for the short, quick bursts of air or smoke usually taken from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. It is less formal and more casual, and can sometimes be used in a playful or informal manner. She took a quick puff from her cigarette The man puffed on his pipe thoughtfully
inhale	This word fits well when describing the action of breathing in, not only limited to smoke but also air or other substances. It is more technical and less commonly used in casual conversations. He accidentally inhaled some smoke during the fire Breathe deeply, then slowly inhale the aroma

Word

Description / Examples

smoking

This term is best used when referring to the general act or habit of inhaling and exhaling smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or other substance. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the situation.

She decided to quit smoking last year
Smoking is not allowed in this area

puff

This term is used for the short, quick bursts of air or smoke usually taken from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. It is less formal and more casual, and can sometimes be used in a playful or informal manner.

She took a quick puff from her cigarette
The man puffed on his pipe thoughtfully

inhale

This word fits well when describing the action of breathing in, not only limited to smoke but also air or other substances. It is more technical and less commonly used in casual conversations.

He accidentally inhaled some smoke during the fire
Breathe deeply, then slowly inhale the aroma

Examples of usage

He was smoking a cigarette while waiting for the bus.
She smoked a cigar to celebrate the occasion.

Translations

Translations of the word "smoking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fumar

🇮🇳 धूम्रपान

🇩🇪 Rauchen

🇮🇩 merokok

🇺🇦 куріння

🇵🇱 palenie

🇯🇵 喫煙 (きつえん)

🇫🇷 fumer

🇪🇸 fumar

🇹🇷 sigara içmek

🇰🇷 흡연

🇸🇦 تدخين

🇨🇿 kouření

🇸🇰 fajčenie

🇨🇳 吸烟

🇸🇮 kajenje

🇮🇸 reykingar

🇰🇿 шылым шегу

🇬🇪 მოწევა

🇦🇿 siqaret çəkmək

🇲🇽 fumar

Etymology

The practice of smoking tobacco dates back to ancient times when indigenous peoples in the Americas smoked tobacco for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. The introduction of tobacco to Europe in the 16th century led to the widespread popularity of smoking, especially in the form of cigarettes. However, the health risks associated with smoking, particularly lung cancer and heart disease, have been well-documented, leading to increased efforts to reduce smoking rates and promote tobacco control policies.

See also: smog, smoke, smoked, smokescreen, smoky.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,549, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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