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

Experts say limiting time outdoors when air is smoky is the best way to keep yourself safe. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

Introduce the entire family to this recipe, which is crispy, smoky, and just the right touch of sweet. —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025

Grilled octopus from the charcoal oven is deeply savory, smoky at the edges, and balanced with a splash of acidity. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Photo : Tiffany Angeles/Unlimited Style Photography The dining room is flanked by smoky mirrors. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 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