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 vanilla and chestnut notes complement Moon Dust’s palo santo beautifully, while the warmth grounds the herbal brightness. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Mar. 2025

Her makeup followed the Gothic theme with dark smoky eyes and defined features. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025

The tableside guacamole—mashed to order and impossibly fresh—is a must, setting the stage for smoky, slow-roasted tacos and a cocktail list stacked with premium tequilas and mezcals. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

My husband’s smoky kielbasa, mashed potatoes and stellar, tangy red cabbage was a stick-to-your-ribs delight, and a friend’s meatloaf was tasty, if a little dense. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 20 Mar. 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