passive smoking

noun

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

Examples of passive smoking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The World Health Organization reports that smoking tobacco claims more than 8 million lives annually, including 1.3 million from passive smoking. Markus Lindblad, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

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 29 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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