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.
Her makeup was consistent with recent appearances: a brown smoky eye and a rose-toned lip. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 June 2025 Peg Leg Porker Spirits, Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV A Tennessee bourbon known for its smoky character, produced in Nashville, Tennessee. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 Coasting over the tracks was Lowe’s smoky, soulful voice, an embodiment of easygoing Californian cool—in part thanks to him being born in San Luis Obispo, California, and growing up in Los Angeles. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 1 June 2025 Pav is a soft and fluffy bread, with a crusty top and a distinct smoky flavor. Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 25 May 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 6 Jun. 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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