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

Designed with airflow systems to minimize smoke while maximizing heat, these fire pits are perfect for keeping guests comfortable without smoky odors. —Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025

And our reverence goes beyond the crispy slices of salty, smoky heaven — the drippings left behind from cooking bacon are liquid gold. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025

According to McCormick's 2025 Flavor Forecast, our taste buds will also be heading to the tropics, enjoying smoky flavors, and finding comfort in the unexpected. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2025

Notes of rum and tobacco leaf step to the forefront for a warm, transportive scent that carries his nose to a smoky speakeasy bursting with leather and velvet. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing smoky

• smoky quartz
• smoky topaz

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