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

This is true for bacon fat, which is great for sautéing vegetables, frying eggs, or adding a smoky flavor to beans, cookies, and other dishes. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026

The trifecta of juicy chicken, smoky-sweet bacon, and creamy ranch dressing is endlessly versatile (hello, CBR pinwheels and crispy sandwiches), and this casserole lets those flavors shine. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026

The Murgh Makani at Everest Gorkhali Kitchen in Tucker resembles the Punjabi classic butter chicken, but with a slightly smokier profile. —Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 31 Jan. 2026

My eyes got a dark brown smoky shadow and long false lashes. —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 31 Jan. 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