vaping

IPA/ˈveɪpɪŋ/

1.nounB2

Definition

the practice of using an electronic cigarette or similar battery-powered device that turns a liquid into a vapour which is then breathed in through the mouth

Example

The health department has launched a campaign about the risks of vaping among teenagers.

collocation: risks of vaping

Kofi gave up smoking last year but switched to vaping as a less harmful alternative.

Common collocations

take up vaping
quit vaping
risks of vaping
a ban on vaping
vaping device

Synonyms

e-cigarette use
more formal and clinical; used in medical or policy contexts
vape use
slightly informal; common in everyday conversation

Usage Note

This noun is uncountable and refers to the activity in general, not to a single instance or session.

Common Mistakes

I tried a vaping yesterday.

I tried vaping yesterday.

'vaping' is uncountable and does not take an article in this sense.

vapingpresent simple I / you / we / they
vapings3rd person singular
vapinging-ing form
vapingedpast simple

1.verbintransitiveB2

Definition

to draw vapour from an e-cigarette into the mouth and lungs by inhaling, describing the basic physical way the device is used

Example

Dario stepped out onto the balcony to vape while his dinner finished cooking.

infinitive of purpose: to vape

The instructions explain how to press the button and vape slowly for the best flavour.

Common collocations

vape slowly
vape quietly
vape indoors
vape on the balcony

Synonyms

use an e-cigarette
more formal; used in official or medical writing
hit a vape
very informal slang, common among younger speakers

Grammar Patterns

vape + adverb

vape + prepositional phrase

Usage Note

This sense focuses on the physical act of taking vapour in through the device. It is usually intransitive; when an object is specified, sense 3 is used instead.

Common Mistakes

He vaped a cigarette.

He vaped using an e-cigarette.

'vape' does not take 'cigarette' as an object; the device or liquid is specified differently.

2.verbintransitiveB2

Definition

to inhale vapour from an e-cigarette and then release it through the mouth, in a motion that resembles how a person smokes a traditional cigarette

Example

Valentina sat on a bench near the playground, vaping as children flew red and blue kites.

vaping while + verb-ing for parallel actions

A group of teenagers stood behind the gym, vaping and blowing vapour into the air.

Common collocations

vape nervously
vape in a group
blow clouds of vapour
vape on a bench

Synonyms

vape
covers both senses 1 and 2; context determines the nuance

Grammar Patterns

vape + prepositional phrase (location)

vape + while + verb-ing

Usage Note

This sense emphasizes the visible behaviour of inhaling and exhaling vapour, similar to how a person would smoke a cigarette. Distinguish from sense 1, which focuses on the mechanical act of inhalation.

Common Mistakes

She was vaping smoke.

She was vaping vapour.

the device produces vapour (vapour), not smoke.

3.verbtransitiveC1

Definition

to take a particular substance into the body in the form of vapour by using an e-cigarette or similar device

Example

Many people vape nicotine-free liquids just to enjoy the fruity flavours without becoming addicted.

vape + [liquid/substance] object

Hui vapes a mint-flavoured liquid that makes the room smell like fresh peppermint leaves.

Common collocations

vape nicotine
vape flavoured liquid
vape a substance
vape oil

Synonyms

inhale
broader term; 'vape' specifies the method

Grammar Patterns

vape + noun (substance/liquid)

Usage Note

This is the only transitive sense — the object must be the substance being inhaled (nicotine, flavoured liquid, oil), not the device.

Common Mistakes

He vaped his e-cigarette.

He vaped nicotine liquid.

the object should be the substance, not the device.

Word family

vape
verbB2
vape
nounB2
vaper
nounC1
vapor
nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Vape' is the most common and neutral verb for the action of using an e-cigarette. 'Use an e-cigarette' is more formal and is preferred in medical articles, policy documents, and official announcements. 'Hit a vape' is informal slang heard mainly among younger speakers in casual conversation; it suggests a quick, single intake of vapour. The word 'smoke' should generally not be used as a synonym for 'vape', because smoking involves burning tobacco to produce smoke, whereas vaping heats a liquid to produce vapour — the two processes are chemically different. For example, one can say 'The report compares people who vape with those who smoke', but saying 'He smokes an e-cigarette' is technically inaccurate.

vape ↗use an e-cigarettehit a vapesmoke ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

take up vaping
quit vaping
ban on vaping
risks of vaping
vaping device

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Formed in the early 21st century from 'vapor' (from Latin 'vapor', meaning steam or exhalation) combined with the suffix '-ing', following the same word-formation pattern as 'smoking'. The term emerged alongside the invention of modern electronic cigarettes and quickly replaced earlier phrases such as 'e-smoking'.

First known use

1999

1999, in the meaning defined above

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vaping

vaping — noun

1. the practice of using an electronic cigarette or similar battery-powered device

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

vaping — verb

1. to draw vapour from an e-cigarette into the mouth and lungs by inhaling, describ

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

2. to inhale vapour from an e-cigarette and then release it through the mouth, in a

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

3. to take a particular substance into the body in the form of vapour by using an e

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

Word family

Synonym discussion

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

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