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 recipe is filled with smoky chicken, sweet pops of corn, and earthy beans. —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

The smoky cocktail in question here is the Palo Santo, one created for the Michelin three-star restaurant Addison. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025

Choose a small jar candle or votive in a seasonal fragrance like pumpkin chai, smoky cedar, or caramel apple, like TikTok creator Kimberly Vuong (@kimberllyvuong) added to her mini Boo Basket. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025

The mural features a smoky blue eyeshadow, contrasting with the three shades of red making up the hair. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 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