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.
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 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 31 Aug. 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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