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

For example, current smoking laws have been enacted in part to protect nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke, especially children. —Marie Helweg-Larsen, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026

Part of this rationale is that the consumption of these products (smoking or drinking) might negatively affect others (such as through secondhand smoke or drunk driving). —Bautista Vivanco, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

Negative externalities resulting from the consumption of demerit goods can be seen in the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on others. —Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

Changing those policies to protect people from exposure to secondhand smoke, that’s a great example. —Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for secondhand smoke

• artichoke
• nanticoke
• womenfolk
• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk

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