Sigarette

Sigarette is a thin roll of processed tobacco wrapped in a thin paper, designed to be lit at one end and inhaled from the other. The spelling sigarette appears in some languages or as an orthographic variant; the English term is cigarette. Most cigarettes include a filter near the mouthpiece, and may contain additives and flavorings.

To produce a cigarette, tobacco is cured, blended, and cut into fine strands, then wrapped in paper and sealed. The tobacco blend, paper rating, and the presence or absence of a filter influence flavor and burn rate. Cigarette lengths typically range from about 70 to 110 millimeters; many markets regulate sizing and labeling. Menthol and other flavored variants are common, though some jurisdictions restrict flavors.

Historically, smoking cigarettes developed in the Americas and Europe, with earlier forms like hand-rolled tobacco cigarettes in the 19th century. Mass production using mechanized rollers in the late 19th century made cigarettes available and affordable, contributing to global popularity in the 20th century.

Health effects: cigarette smoke contains nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and hundreds of other chemicals; smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, among others. Nicotine is highly addictive. Secondhand smoke also poses health risks to bystanders. Public health responses include warnings, advertising restrictions, smoke-free laws, and higher taxes. Many places have age restrictions on purchase and intensive cessation support.

Global production and consumption are concentrated in a handful of countries, with major producers and exporters. China, India, and Indonesia are among the top producers; major retailers include multinational and domestic brands. Market trends in some regions show declining cigarette use due to regulation and health concerns, though demand persists in others. The term sigarette may be encountered in historical or linguistic contexts but remains a synonym for cigarette in many discussions.