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

Medford, Grants Pass and Bend in Oregon topped the list as the smokiest cities, on average, between 2019 and 2023, with Medford reporting daily PM2.5 levels averaging 4.2 µg/m³ annually. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Tornadoes, rain, smoky air:Indianapolis weather has been erratic, and heat wave may be next Canada wildfires made Indianapolis hazy Visibility was reduced during the summer when wildfires that plagued Canada had smoke cover Indianapolis. —Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Dec. 2024

The smoky, roasted chestnut notes highlight the buttery popcorn and caramel in L’eau de Parfum, creating a warm, fireside vibe that feels luxurious and comforting. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024

Even Scotch, with its smoky allure, feels like the crackling fire of your cocktail dreams. —Emily Price, Forbes, 6 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