'e-cigarette' originates from the combination of 'electronic' and 'cigarette', where 'electronic' refers to the use of electricity to power the device and 'cigarette' refers to the traditional tobacco product.

The term 'e-cigarette' emerged in the early 21st century as a new technology for nicotine delivery.

Initially, it meant a device for nicotine delivery, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.