non-smoking
|non/smo/king|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑnˈsmoʊkɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˈsməʊkɪŋ/
not allowing smoking
Etymology
'non-smoking' is a compound formed from the prefix 'non-' and the present participle 'smoking'. The prefix 'non-' comes from Latin 'non' meaning 'not', and 'smoking' derives from the verb 'smoke' (Old English 'smoca' / 'smocian').
'non-' (Latin 'non') was combined with the English present participle 'smoking' (from Old English 'smoca') in Modern English; the hyphenated form 'non-smoking' became common in the late 19th to early 20th century as public policies and signage began to distinguish areas where smoking was not allowed.
Initially the phrase simply described the state of 'not smoking'; over time it developed into a fixed label used for designated areas, signs, rooms, and policies meaning 'where smoking is prohibited.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a place or area designated as not permitting smoking (e.g., a non-smoking section or room).
Please sit in the non-smoking; the other side allows smoking.
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Adjective 1
not permitting or involving smoking; used to describe places, rooms, sections, or items where smoking is prohibited.
The restaurant has a non-smoking section on the upper floor.
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Last updated: 2025/11/23 03:05