smoky

adjective

ˈsmō-kē 

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

ˈsmō-kə-lē 

adverb

smokiness

ˈsmō-kē-nəs 

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing smoky

• smoky quartz
• smoky topaz

Rhymes for smoky

• cloche
• gnocchi
• loci
• pokey
• smokey
• karaoke

Kids Definition

smoky

adjective

variants also smokey

ˈsmō-kē 

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

-kə-lē 

adverb

smokiness

-kē-nəs 

noun