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.
This type of cancer affects both smokers and nonsmokers, although Leo is not known to ever have been a smoker. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026 While smoking tobacco is the largest risk factor for lung cancer, up to 20 percent of diagnoses occur in nonsmokers. — Mikkael A. Sekeres, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2026 Cancer that is found at the earliest stages, like that of the pope, can be treated with surgery and cured for both smokers and nonsmokers. — Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Among nonsmokers, the increase is even more dramatic, with the gene raising lung cancer risk some 60 times. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 18 Sep. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

nonslip
nonsmoker
nonsmoking
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Cite this Entry

“Nonsmoker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonsmoker. Accessed 20 Oct. 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
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