passive smoking

noun

: the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke (as from another's cigarette) especially by a nonsmoker

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passive smoking was in 1971

Dictionary Entries Near passive smoking

Cite this Entry

“Passive smoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive%20smoking. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

passive smoking

noun
: the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke (as from another's cigarette) especially by a nonsmoker
passive smoker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on passive smoking

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!