smokey

¹ American  

[smoh-kee] / ˈsmoʊ ki /

noun

(often initial capital letter)

plural

smokeys

1. an officer or officers of a state highway patrol.

2. a state police car.

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smokey ² American  

[smoh-kee] / ˈsmoʊ ki /

adjective

smokier, smokiest

1. a variant of smoky.

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Etymology

Origin of smokey

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; shortened from Smokey Bear, a cartoon bear used in the U. S. Forest Service's fire prevention campaign, depicted wearing a hat similar to those worn by state police officers

Example Sentences

Over a simple acoustic backing, he reminisces about "smokey bars and cheap guitars", observing that while Liverpool is always changing, "nothing can erase the days we left behind".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

We then deglaze with white wine and add mirepoix that’s been buried in hot embers to soak up all that smokey flavor.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2024

Whiffs of that distinct smokey smell may serve as a pleasant reminder of the evening prior, but in the wake of a wildfire, that smell comes with ongoing health risks.

From Science Daily • Jan. 2, 2024

Sunday is calling for a similar high with temperatures reaching the mid to low 80s, but with smokey skies moving that could change.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2023

Now, with Mrs. Frisby’s help, he forced open Brutus’s mouth and poured in just a few drops of the smokey liquid the bottle contained.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien