secondhand smoke

noun

: tobacco smoke that is exhaled by smokers or is given off by burning tobacco and is inhaled by persons nearby

Examples of secondhand smoke 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.
Here, accusing her of failing to protect casino workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 Whether to ban smoking is one of the most controversial issues not only in Atlantic City casinos, but in other states where workers have expressed concern about secondhand smoke, including Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kansas and Virginia. Wayne Parry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024 Black people, lower-income populations and people with less education are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke. Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024 Prohibiting smoking is the only way to fully protect us from secondhand smoke exposure. David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secondhand smoke 

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secondhand smoke was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near secondhand smoke

Cite this Entry

“Secondhand smoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secondhand%20smoke. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

secondhand smoke

noun
: tobacco smoke that is exhaled by smokers or is given off by burning tobacco and is inhaled by persons nearby

Medical Definition

secondhand smoke

noun
sec·​ond·​hand smoke ˌsek-ᵊn(d)-ˌhan(d)- How to pronounce secondhand smoke (audio)
: tobacco smoke that is exhaled by a smoker or is given off by burning tobacco (as of a cigarette) and is inhaled by persons nearby

called also passive smoke

More from Merriam-Webster on secondhand smoke

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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