What does vaper mean?
Vaper is a modern informal noun for a person who vapes—that is, who inhales aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette or a similar device. It became established as vaping spread in the 2010s and is often used to avoid the broader and more negatively charged word smoker, although the choice can be neutral or strategic rather than purely euphemistic. In ordinary contexts, a vaper may be a regular or occasional user, and the word does not imply that vaping is harmless or socially acceptable. It appears in discussions of cessation, public health, regulation, and social identity. Because the term focuses on the user's activity rather than the older practice of tobacco smoking, it can clarify which habit or product a speaker means. However, the label may still sound promotional or defensive to some readers, and context often determines whether it is used casually, critically, or in support of vaping.
nounA person who vapes, especially someone who uses an electronic cigarette or a similar device that produces an inhaled aerosol. The term does not specify whether the aerosol contains nicotine.
- A person who vapes, especially a user of an electronic cigarette or a similar device.
"She described herself as a former vaper after deciding not to use her electronic cigarette."
"She described herself as a former vaper after deciding not to use her electronic cigarette."
"The café posted a notice asking every vaper to step outside while using an electronic cigarette."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s to the noun.
"The survey compared former smokers with vapers who had never smoked cigarettes."
In a few decades, the language of smoking had to expand: a “vaper” inhales aerosol rather than smoke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vaper
Vaper is a modern English agent noun formed from vape by adding the suffix -er, meaning “one who vapes.” The noun belongs to the vocabulary of electronic-cigarette use that developed in the early 21st century, with vape becoming established alongside vaping and e-cigarettes. Its deeper root is Latin vapor, meaning “steam” or “mist,” which also underlies vaporous, vapid, and evaporate.
Related word forms
How vaper is actually used
Informal and contemporary. It is often chosen to distinguish electronic-cigarette use from traditional tobacco smoking, but it may sound neutral, promotional, or euphemistic depending on context. It does not by itself indicate that the person uses nicotine.
Easily confused with vaper
A vaper is the person who performs the action, whereas a vapor is the gaseous or aerosol substance involved.