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
WalletHub found the cost of secondhand smoke exposure in New York, then calculated the expenses in other states according to their numbers of smokers and nonsmokers.
—
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
Right now, nearly half of youth in Osceola County (47%) are exposed to secondhand smoke, often in places meant for fun, fitness, and family time.
—Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026
Smoking Like other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking or significant secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of adult onset asthma.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
Exposure to secondhand smoke can also decrease vitamin C levels.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026
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.
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
Right now, nearly half of youth in Osceola County (47%) are exposed to secondhand smoke, often in places meant for fun, fitness, and family time.
—Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2026
Smoking Like other lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking or significant secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of adult onset asthma.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
Exposure to secondhand smoke can also decrease vitamin C levels.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026
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 Feb. 2026.
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
