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

All the smoky flavors and juicy meat without the fancy equipment. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025

The finish is long, smoky, and dry, with lingering notes of cherry, dark chocolate, and seasoned oak with prominent tannins. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025

This smoky, sweet, and tangy chip is a masterclass in flavor, with notes that harmonize perfectly with bold red wines, such as Zinfandel, Syrah, and GSM blends. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025

Beef, Bacon & Beer Chili with Beans: Features seasoned beef, hearty beans and smoky bacon, all infused with Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer flavor. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 19 Aug. 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