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
Forty years ago, the intuitive outrage of secondhand smoke was an eye-opener for many Americans.
—
David Zipper, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
For example, dry air, smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke often lead to a scratchy throat and hoarseness.
—Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
Even secondhand smoke can lead to cancers such as that of the lung.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Don’t smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.
—Julie Marks Published, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secondhand smoke
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.
David Zipper, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
For example, dry air, smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke often lead to a scratchy throat and hoarseness.
—Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
Even secondhand smoke can lead to cancers such as that of the lung.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Don’t smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.
—Julie Marks Published, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secondhand smoke
Cite this Entry
“Secondhand smoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secondhand%20smoke. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
secondhand smoke
noun
sec·ond·hand smoke
ˌsek-ᵊn(d)-ˌhan(d)- 
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share