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 Juneteenth recipes below span smoky mains, fresh sides, red drinks, and celebratory desserts—all made for gathering with family and friends. —Nicole A. Taylor, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 May 2026

The finish is long and warming, with lingering tropical fruit, spice, molasses, and faint smoky oak notes. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Brown sugar, ketchup, and bacon provide that smoky-sweet taste the dish is known for. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 15 May 2026

In a kitchen in Paterson, New Jersey, Rosa Carhuallanqui fills dough with chicken stewed in a brick-red sauce of ají panca—a Peruvian chili pepper that gives the dish a slightly smoky, berry-like flavor. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026

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