noun

smoking

Inhaling smoke from burning tobacco or another substance.

Smoking is not allowed inside this restaurant or on its patio.

Etymology

Smoke names the airborne products of burning. The activity noun specializes the verb to drawing that smoke into the lungs.

More examples

  • She gives up smoking to improve her health.
  • Years of heavy smoking leave him short of breath.
  • Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs.

Forms

smoking

smoke verb — To inhale smoke from a burning substance.

smoker noun — A person who regularly smokes tobacco.

Similar words

puffing
Emphasizes individual draws on a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
inhalation
Means breathing something in, not necessarily smoke.