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
Johnson cited experiences inhaling secondhand smoke as an asthmatic to underscore the push.
—
Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
This does not mean, however, that secondhand smoke is safe.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
The science transparency rule in the first Trump administration was intended to limit the EPA’s ability to consider epidemiologic studies like those that established the health harms from exposure to secondhand smoke and to PM2.5, fine particles often from pollution.
—H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
Try to avoid secondhand smoke, scented candles, cleaning products with harsh chemicals, and outdoor air pollution when possible.16
Gargle with salt water: This can soothe a sore or irritated throat and help clear mucus.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for secondhand smoke
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Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
This does not mean, however, that secondhand smoke is safe.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
The science transparency rule in the first Trump administration was intended to limit the EPA’s ability to consider epidemiologic studies like those that established the health harms from exposure to secondhand smoke and to PM2.5, fine particles often from pollution.
—H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
Try to avoid secondhand smoke, scented candles, cleaning products with harsh chemicals, and outdoor air pollution when possible.16
Gargle with salt water: This can soothe a sore or irritated throat and help clear mucus.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 July 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 20 Aug. 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
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