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 smoky, salty ham combined with melty, flavorful Swiss and Gruyere cheeses is hard to beat. —Julia Levy, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024

Hellmann's Chipotle Mayonnaise Dressing Hellmann's Chipotle Mayonnaise Dressing is deliciously creamy and brings a smoky flavor and mild heat to meals. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

The first spritz of You Doux opens with sweet violet, followed by a precious blend of woody palo santo and smoky myrrh. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

Mezcal’s smoky character can be polarizing, but Siglin not only splits it 1:3 with tequila, so the smoke is forced to use its indoor voice, but also diffuses it with pineapple juice, which (as with al pastor tacos or kalua pork) combines with the tropical fruit like a pleasant dream. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2024

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