smoky

1 of 2

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

smokiness

2 of 2

noun

smok·​i·​ness -kēnə̇s 

-kin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being smoky

Examples of smoky in a Sentence

Adjective

Her dress was a smoky blue.

Her smoky voice drew me in.

She gave him a smoky look.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Rinna wore a skin-tight orange dress with hip cutouts, bright orange heels, a long dark wig, smoky eye makeup and a chunky silver cross necklace. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Elsewhere, a pink-haired Adéla and smoky-eyed Demi Lovato walked the red carpet before a night of festivities joined by the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Charlize Theron and more. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

The consensus was that this blend of velvety Damascus rose and smoky oud makes for a floral that’s darker and more intoxicating than the average bouquet. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 29 Oct. 2026

Nutty and smoky, manoomin works any time of day, from rice and berries with maple syrup for breakfast to a hearty stew for dinner. — Tovar Cerulli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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