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
In multiunit dwellings, secondhand smoke can seep in from many places, including vents and cracks in walls or floors.
—
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
There are no public health campaigns warning against the dangers of smoking or secondhand smoke.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025
Quit Smoking Smoking, vaping, or even exposure to secondhand smoke lowers your heart health score and raises heart disease risk.
—Amy Isler, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
Other important steps may include staying physically active, reducing exposure to air pollution and secondhand smoke, and participating in pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a structured program of exercise, education and support designed to improve ease of breathing and overall quality of life.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
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.
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
There are no public health campaigns warning against the dangers of smoking or secondhand smoke.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025
Quit Smoking Smoking, vaping, or even exposure to secondhand smoke lowers your heart health score and raises heart disease risk.
—Amy Isler, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
Other important steps may include staying physically active, reducing exposure to air pollution and secondhand smoke, and participating in pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a structured program of exercise, education and support designed to improve ease of breathing and overall quality of life.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 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 29 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share