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

Crisp bacon brings deep, smoky richness, while onion and celery add the classic aromatics of dressing or stuffing. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025

Gisele followed her tried-and-true red carpet glam formula, wearing her blonde hair swept loosely to the side, soft brown smoky eyes, and a petal pink lip. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025

The durable, dishwasher-safe glass will save you loads of time on cleanup—and no one can deny that the smoky look of these wine glasses are totally gorgeous. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2025

His most popular tea, a smoky Taiwanese one called Hu-Kwa, has steadily risen from $26 to $46 a pound. —Matt Sedensky, Fortune, 23 Nov. 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