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

Start with a selection of mezze—creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, and our vibrant muhammara—paired with freshly stone oven baked manae’esh. —Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Cool and smoky conditions were observed across the fire overnight. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

To finish off the look, Johnson wore a bombshell-esque updo reminiscent of the Pamela (but accommodating her signature blunt bangs), an uncharacteristic smoky eye, and a nude lip. —Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025

Chunks of Wagyu beef short rib served with smoky awaze sauce and a crumbly cheese called ayib speak to the city’s Ethiopian community, the largest in America. —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 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