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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
Some who are concerned with the health component call the law a step backward, given the risks of secondhand smoke.
—Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
The story of secondhand smoke shows how reformers could build it.
—David Zipper, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Avoid Secondhand Smoke Avoiding secondhand smoke exposure is the one major risk factor that actually is alterable, says Smitherman.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Jan. 2025
Other risk factors include exposure to radon gas, air pollution and secondhand smoke, according to the report.
—Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1891, in the meaning defined above
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 2 Feb. 2025.
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)-
: 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about secondhand smoke
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