smoky

American  

[smoh-kee] / ˈsmoʊ ki /

Also smokey

adjective

smokier, smokiest

1. emitting smoke, especially in large amounts.

2. hazy; darkened or begrimed with smoke.

3. having the character or appearance of smoke.

   smoky colors.

4. pertaining to or suggestive of smoke.

   a smoky haze.

5. of a dull or brownish gray; cloudy.

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smoky British  

/ ˈsməʊkɪ /

adjective

1. emitting, containing, or resembling smoke

2. emitting smoke excessively or in the wrong place

   a smoky fireplace

3. of or tinged with the colour smoke

   a smoky cat

4. having the flavour of having been cured by smoking

5. made dark, dirty, or hazy by smoke

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Other Word Forms

• smokily adverb
• smokiness noun
• unsmokily adverb
• unsmokiness noun
• unsmoky adjective

Etymology

Origin of smoky

A Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; smoke, -y ¹

Example Sentences

The brisket, seasoned with salt and pepper along with berbere, rosemary, garlic, and ginger, was the standout—rich, smoky, and deeply flavorful.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

In “Gary Stewart: I Am From the Honky-Tonks,” Jimmy McDonough traces the career of an artist whose songs conjured the atmosphere of the smoky, neon-lit world where he felt most at home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The rookie Los Angeles firefighter arrived sometime after 7 a.m., when the smoky areas were all over and easy to see.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

It arrived and as owner Camila Espinoza instructed, “we want you to see the layered colors,” topped with smoky red sobrassada, soft Mallorcan sausage, whipped ricotta, and a drizzle of honey.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2025

Close enough that I can smell the smoky sweetness of coffee beans on him.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

• burning
• dingy
• silvery
• smoldering
• thick