variants or less commonly smokey
smokier; smokiest
1
: emitting smoke especially in large quantities
a smoky fireplace
2
a
: having the characteristics of or resembling smoke
a smoky haze
b
: suggestive of smoke especially in flavor or odor
3
a
: filled with smoke
a smoky room
b
: made dark or black by or as if by smoke
4
: having a low throaty quality
a smoky voice
smokily adverb
smokiness noun

Examples of smoky in a Sentence

Her dress was a smoky blue. Her smoky voice drew me in. She gave him a smoky look.
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.
The bacon made for a smoky addition to the chicken sandwich and the garden vegetable cream cheese gave it a light, bright feel. Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025 While that’s going, smoky roasted peppers and raw cherry tomatoes are dressed in sherry vinegar to balance their natural sweetness and acidity. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 July 2025 The fires have prompted evacuations in some areas, caused smoky conditions, and impacted infrastructure and habitats, according to the agency. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 4 July 2025 Ditch the jarred stuff—this homemade salsa with a smoky kick will get your guests talking. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for smoky

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smoky was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smoky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoky. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

smoky

adjective
variants also smokey
smokier; smokiest
1
: giving off smoke especially in large quantities
smoky stoves
2
: resembling or suggestive of smoke
a smoky flavor
3
: filled with or darkened by smoke
a smoky room
smokily adverb
smokiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on smoky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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