noun Uncommon

smokey

Smokey (noun) means (slang, US) A police officer or state trooper, especially one watching for speeders. Example: “Truckers on the CB radio warned of a smokey ahead.”

noun

(slang, US) A police officer or state trooper, especially one watching for speeders.

"Truckers on the CB radio warned of a smokey ahead."

How to use smokey

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCB-radio slang for a police officer, especially a highway patrolman.

Common mistake

Not to be confused with the adjective "smoky" (full of smoke) — this "smokey" spelling is the slang noun.

When to use it

Dated trucker/CB-radio slang, mostly American.

Easily confused with

smoky →

Word forms

smokies plural, smokeys plural, Smokeys plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Truckers on the CB radio warned of a _____ ahead.

Etymology

Short for "Smokey Bear," the cartoon forest-ranger mascot, whose hat resembled those worn by highway patrol officers.

Rhymes for smokey

key hey bey dey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey

See all rhymes for smokey →

Frequently asked questions

What does “smokey” mean?

The word “smokey” means (slang, US) A police officer or state trooper, especially one watching for speeders. In plain terms, cB-radio slang for a police officer, especially a highway patrolman.

How do you use “smokey” in a sentence?

Here is “smokey” used in a sentence: “Truckers on the CB radio warned of a smokey ahead.”

What part of speech is “smokey”?

“Smokey” is a noun.

Is “smokey” a common word?

“Smokey” is an uncommon word in modern English.