cigarettes - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
cigarettes Word Meanings
- a small roll of paper filled with tobacco, designed to be smoked
- a cigarette is often used for recreational purposes
- a symbol of addiction or habit.
cigarettes Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cigarettes Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌsɪɡ.əˈrɛt/
US
/ˌsɪɡ.əˈrɛt/
cigarettes Word Etymology
cigarette: cigare + -ette; from French ('cigare' meaning tobacco roll) → English. Imagine a delicate roll of tobacco paper, when lit, forming a wispy cloud into the air, reminiscent of the paradox of beauty entwined with the dangers of addiction.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I pick up a cigarette from the pack and move it to the edge between my fingers. I set the tip at my lips, pull the lighter close, and feel a small push of warmth as the flame catches. The ember shifts from bright orange to a steady glow, I tilt my head and adjust my grip, steadying my breath as the first draw comes in. This tiny ritual gives me a sense of control and a moment of pause, a habit I keep returning to in the day.
Real Context
A cigarette is a small roll of paper filled with tobacco, designed to be smoked. In everyday English, the word often carries strong associations with habit, addiction, and social rituals. People use 'a cigarette' both as a physical object and as a symbol in media and conversation. The phrase 'smoke a cigarette' describes the action, while common compounds include 'cigarette smoke', 'cigarette pack', and 'cigarette lighter'. Learners should note that 'cigarette' is countable, with 'cigarettes' as the plural. In many places smoking is regulated or stigmatized, so tone and context matter when discussing the topic.
Usage Reminders
- Use 'a cigarette' for a single item and 'cigarettes' for more than one.
- Say 'to smoke a cigarette' to describe the act.
- Use 'quit smoking' to talk about stopping the habit.
- Be aware of stigma or formality when discussing tobacco.
- Pair with concrete nouns: 'cigarette pack', 'cigarette lighter', 'cigarette smoke'.
- Avoid overly casual slang in formal writing.
Common Misconceptions
- Cigarette and cigar mean the same thing.
- All cigarettes are equally harmful and the same in every country.
- Cigarettes are only smoked by adults; teens cannot smoke legally where you are learning English.
- You must finish a cigarette to say you smoked it.
- Cigarettes are never associated with fashion, media, or culture.
Thinking Differences
Independently of English, many learners default to treating cigarette discussions as purely factual or technical. English tends to privilege idioms, phrasal verbs, and cultural nuance around smoking (regulation, fashion, media portrayal), so learners may miss tone or connotation when translating directly from their language.
Learning Tips
- Learn the noun as countable: one cigarette, two cigarettes.
- Practice collocations: cigarette pack, cigarette lighter, cigarette smoke.
- Use 'to smoke a cigarette' for the act, not just 'smoke'.
- Remember common phrases: quit smoking, smoking ban, cigarette lighter.
- Be mindful of formality and stigma in different contexts.
- Compare with 'cigar' and 'pipe' to avoid category mistakes.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App