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

The rich, smoky flavor of the olives, combined with the garlic, is balanced nicely by extra virgin olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025

Her makeup, by Georgie Eisdell, centered on the witchy red tone, with a flawless base and soft bronze cheek contour, a delicate smoky brown eye and black mascara. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025

By charring scallions and searing steak in the same skillet, every bite builds layers of savory, smoky flavor. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025

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, 25 Oct. 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