nonsmoker

noun

non·​smok·​er ˌnän-ˈsmō-kər How to pronounce nonsmoker (audio)
plural nonsmokers
: a person who does not smoke tobacco : a person who is not a smoker
Radon poisoning is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.—Jonathan Scholles

Examples of nonsmoker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Even nonsmokers can’t avoid the consequences. — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026 The county emphasized that dangerous radon levels have been found in homes in all 50 states, and smokers and nonsmokers alike are at risk for lung cancer from the radioactive gas. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026 Healthy nonsmokers, diagnosed late, often by accident. — Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2026 In my view, the key obstacle to creating future generations of nonsmokers is that people do not fully understand how dangerous smoking is and do not realize the formidable influence of the tobacco industry. — Marie Helweg-Larsen, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonsmoker

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonsmoker was in 1846

Rhymes for nonsmoker

See All Rhymes for nonsmoker

Browse Nearby Words

nonslip
nonsmoker
nonsmoking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonsmoker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonsmoker. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

nonsmoker

noun
non·​smok·​er -ˈsmō-kər How to pronounce nonsmoker (audio)
: a person who does not smoke tobacco

More from Merriam-Webster on nonsmoker

Nglish: Translation of nonsmoker for Spanish Speakers

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