English Reference
Adjective

smoky

adj.
B1 Intermediate US /ˈsmoʊki/ UK /smˈəʊki/ smoky Music

adj.filled with smoke, smelling like smoke, or having a taste like smoke. You can also use it to describe a voice that sounds deep and slightly rough.

adj.filled with, emitting, or resembling smoke in appearance, scent, or flavour. When describing a voice or musical tone, it refers to a low, husky, or slightly breathy quality.


SIMPLE

The room was dark and smoky.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef added a smoky flavour to the sauce by using dried peppers and a wood-fired grill.

COMPLEX

The jazz singer's smoky vocals perfectly complemented the late-night atmosphere of the club, creating an intimate and nostalgic experience for the audience.

Usage

Often used to describe food, environments, or sensory qualities like voice and colour.


From Middle English smoky, smokie, equivalent to smoke + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English smoky
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated