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

Herbal, earthy, mossy, smoky, and witchy fragrances are exactly what the doctor ordered this fall and may be the perfect way to indulge in the practice. — Loren Savini, Allure, 11 Sep. 2026

The yogurt also helps to temper the heat from smoky-spicy gochujang, the assertive and versatile Korean hot pepper paste. — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026

Minutes later, all the major news networks were broadcasting live, cameras trained on the smoky, fiery wound made of floors 93-99. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The Delta flight, which was carrying 235 people, had safely made an emergency landing after a smoky smell permeated the cabin. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 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