noun
Uncommon
cigar
sih-GAH
Cigar (noun) means a roll of tobacco leaves wrapped for smoking, typically thicker and stronger than a cigarette. Example: “He celebrated the deal with a fine cigar.”
noun
1
A roll of tobacco leaves wrapped for smoking, typically thicker and stronger than a cigarette.
"He celebrated the deal with a fine cigar."
"The room smelled of cigar smoke."
"Grandad kept a single cigar in a wooden box for special occasions."
How to use cigar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rolled bundle of tobacco leaves meant for smoking, distinct from a cigarette.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
light a cigar
cigar smoke
a box of cigars
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Word forms
- Plural
- cigars
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He celebrated the deal with a fine _____.
Etymology
From Spanish cigarro, of uncertain deeper origin.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “cigar” mean?
The word “cigar” means a roll of tobacco leaves wrapped for smoking, typically thicker and stronger than a cigarette. In plain terms, a rolled bundle of tobacco leaves meant for smoking, distinct from a cigarette.
How do you pronounce “cigar”?
“Cigar” is pronounced sih-GAH (/sɪˈɡɑɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cigar” in a sentence?
Here is “cigar” used in a sentence: “He celebrated the deal with a fine cigar.”
What part of speech is “cigar”?
“Cigar” is a noun.
Where does the word “cigar” come from?
The word “cigar” comes from Spanish. From Spanish cigarro, of uncertain deeper origin.
Is “cigar” a common word?
“Cigar” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a cigar and a cigarette?
A cigar is a roll of tobacco leaves wrapped for smoking that is typically thicker and stronger than a cigarette, which is thin shredded tobacco wrapped in paper. Cigars are also generally smoked without inhaling, unlike many cigarette users.
Why are cigars often described as stronger than cigarettes?
Cigars use whole rolled tobacco leaves, producing a denser, more concentrated flavor and strength compared to the shredded, paper-wrapped tobacco in cigarettes. This density is part of why cigars are described as thicker and stronger.
Is "cigar" used in any common expressions?
Yes, "cigar" appears in the idiom "close, but no cigar," meaning someone narrowly missed success. Outside of such expressions, the word refers specifically to the rolled tobacco product.
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