secondhand smoke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Medical, Public Health, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “secondhand smoke” mean?
Smoke from a burning tobacco product or smoke exhaled by a smoker that is involuntarily inhaled by people nearby.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Smoke from a burning tobacco product or smoke exhaled by a smoker that is involuntarily inhaled by people nearby.
The phenomenon of non-smokers being exposed to tobacco smoke in their environment, leading to health risks. Also called Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'secondhand smoke' predominantly. The spelling 'second-hand smoke' with a hyphen is occasionally seen in British English but is not standard in either. The term 'passive smoking' is more common in UK English to describe the act of inhaling secondhand smoke.
Connotations
Identical strong negative health connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in public health discourse, but a core term in both.
Grammar
How to Use “secondhand smoke” in a Sentence
[Subject] is exposed to secondhand smokeSecondhand smoke causes [health problem]Legislation aims to reduce secondhand smokeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secondhand smoke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new pub law means patrons will no longer be secondhand smoking.
- Children should not have to secondhand smoke in their own homes.
American English
- The ordinance is designed to prevent people from secondhand smoking in parks.
- Workers were effectively secondhand smoking before the indoor ban.
adjective
British English
- The secondhand-smoke exposure levels were alarmingly high.
- A comprehensive secondhand-smoke policy was implemented.
American English
- Secondhand-smoke particles can linger for hours.
- The report highlighted secondhand-smoke dangers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions about workplace smoking policies and liability.
Academic
Research on epidemiology, public health, and toxicology.
Everyday
Complaints about smoke in shared spaces or concerns for children's health.
Technical
Clinical studies measuring specific toxins like nicotine or cotinine in non-smokers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondhand smoke”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondhand smoke”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondhand smoke”
- Using 'secondhand' as two separate words: 'second hand smoke'. Confusing it with 'second-hand' meaning pre-owned goods.
- Incorrect: 'I don't like the secondhand smoke.' (Correct: '...the secondhand smoke' or '...secondhand smoke' without 'the' when speaking generally).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, major health organisations classify it as a known human carcinogen. It causes heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses in non-smoking adults and children.
No, opening a window or using air filters does not eliminate exposure. Smoke particles and gases remain in the air and on surfaces (thirdhand smoke).
Secondhand smoke is inhaled directly from the air. Thirdhand smoke refers to the residual nicotine and chemicals left on surfaces like walls, furniture, and dust long after smoking has stopped.
E-cigarettes produce an aerosol (often called vapour), not tobacco smoke. While this aerosol contains fewer toxicants than cigarette smoke, public health advice is to minimise exposure to it, especially indoors.
Smoke from a burning tobacco product or smoke exhaled by a smoker that is involuntarily inhaled by people nearby.
Secondhand smoke is usually formal, medical, public health, everyday in register.
Secondhand smoke: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.əndˈhænd ˈsməʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.əndˈhænd ˈsmoʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No safe level of secondhand smoke”
- “A victim of secondhand smoke”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SECOND person getting the HAND-me-down negative effects of someone else's SMOKE.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLLUTION / TOXIC AIR (It is conceptualized as a contaminant in the shared environment).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary public health concern associated with secondhand smoke?