A2noun1K

Smoke

UK /["/sməʊk/"]/US /["/sməʊk/"]/

Definition

the grey, white or black gas that is produced by something burning

In simple words: A gray or black cloud of tiny particles that comes from burning things.

Examples

  • The smoke from the fire made it hard to breathe.
  • I saw smoke rising from the chimney.
  • Some people smoke cigarettes, but it's not very healthy.
  • The smoke alarm went off when I burned my toast.
  • He likes to smoke fish to add flavor.

Usage notes

Used when talking about both the act of smoking and the smoke produced by fire. In formal contexts, use 'smoke' to refer to pollution or the effects of smoking. Avoid in conversations about health unless addressing smoking directly.

Grammar pattern

smoke + object

Memory hint

Think of 'Smoke' as 'Slowly Moving Outward, Kind of Everywhere'.

Collocations

  • dense
  • heavy
  • thick
  • cloud
  • column
  • haze
  • belch
  • belch out
  • blow
  • belch
  • billow
  • come
  • plume
  • ring
  • signal
  • go up in smoke
  • full of smoke
  • thick with smoke

Synonyms

  • fumes
  • vapors
  • smog
  • haze
  • cloud

Antonyms

  • clear
  • purity

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'smoky', which describes something that has smoke or smells like smoke.
  • Using 'smoke' as a noun without an article (e.g., 'I see smoke' is correct, but 'I see smoke the fire' is incorrect).
  • Mixing 'smoke' with the noun 'smoking' when talking about the action.