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 adverb
smokiness 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for smoky

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smoky was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smoky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoky. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

smoky

adjective
variants also smokey
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 adverb
smokiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on smoky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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