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

But the magic lies in Chipotle’s chicken choice (thighs, which deliver more flavor, fat, and juiciness than chicken breasts) and the marinade (which is warm and smoky thanks to chipotle peppers in adobo, cumin, and ancho chile powder). —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026

For generations, Southern cooks have been using leftover bacon grease to add layers of smoky, salty flavor to their favorite recipes. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

Loose hair and smoky eyes kept the look in the same severe register as Watts’, with a longer, leaner proportion. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 Mar. 2026

Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass, gently drizzle the smoky scotch across the top, and garnish with something aromatically neutral like a ginger candy or else nothing at all. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 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