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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 8 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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