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.

---

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

---

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

Now the top of the mountain was a sharp gray point, with a great smoky crater yawning below.

From Literature

I dream of lizards, dark skies, sand dunes and sunsets streaked in rose-mauve and smoky violet, the air heavy with the scent of wet creosote and campfire smoke.

From Los Angeles Times

That evening I ate grilled fish for supper, tender and delicious with the smoky tang of the open fire, and it brought back the happiest times of my life.

From Literature

We hear a Fender Rhodes piano, strummed electric guitar and a spare trumpet, conjuring images of a late night in a smoky club.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some of the rooms stink; it’s a bitter, almost smoky smell.

From Literature

Related Words

• burning
• dingy
• silvery
• smoldering
• thick