Are you looking for words to describe the movement of smoke? Take a look at the 21 verbs we’ve included below and get some ideas on how you can use them in your writing!
1. Billowed
Definition
Expanded to create a large cloud-like shape.
Examples
“The smoke billowed from the burning building, engulfing the entire street in a foul stench.”
“Thick black smoke billowed into the sky, making it difficult for first responders to see the crash site.”
2. Swirled
Definition
Moved in a twisting or spiraling motion.
Examples
“The smoke from the extinguished candle swirled and spiraled in the air, dancing along beams of sunlight.”
“The chimney emitted smoke that swirled into the evening sky above the tiny cabin in the woods.”
3. Drifted
Definition
Moved slowly through the air in a floating manner.
Examples
“The smoke from the incense stick drifted lazily across the room, filling it with the pleasant aroma of sandalwood.”
“As the wind picked up, the smoke drifted away from the barbecue and gathered around the camper’s tents like a gray fog.”
4. Whisked
Definition
Moved swiftly with a light or airy quality.
Examples
“The smoke whisked through the open window, filling the room with an acrid smell that burned our throats and made our eyes water.”
“The chimney released a thin stream of smoke that whisked into the sky and filtered across the backyard in white tendrils.”
5. Spiraled
Definition
Twisted in a circular path.
Examples
“The smoke spiraled upwards from the smoldering fire and settled around the makeshift rain shelter.”
“The cigarette smoke spiraled in elegant tendrils that hung about her elaborately decorated hat.”
6. Rolled
Definition
Moved in a continuous rotating motion.
Examples
“The smoke rolled out of the chimney in thick gray tufts that dispersed into the wind.”
“As the wind blew, the smoke rolled across the field, making it difficult to tell how far the fire had spread.”
7. Circulated
Definition
Flowed in a cyclical pattern.
Examples
“The smoke from the bonfire circulated through the gathering as they enjoyed ghost stories told by their host.”
“As the ventilation system failed, the smoke circulated within the building causing panic from the frightened tenants.”
8. Curled
Definition
Coiled into an elegant, rounded shape.
Examples
“The smoke curled upward from the extinguished candle, forming delicate rings that hung in the air just above it.”
“The chimney emitted smoke that curled and mingled with the foggy mist outside the mountain lodge.”
9. Swept
Definition
Moved swiftly or forcefully in a wide motion.
Examples
“The smoke swept through the venue, engulfing the concertgoers and making it difficult to see their way clear of the unexpected blaze.”
“The smoke from the nearby forest fires crept into doors and windows of nearby homes, sending homeowners scurrying to escape it.”
10. Hovered
Definition
Remained suspended or lingered in the air with little movement.
Examples
“The smoke from the extinguished candle hovered above the wick, as if reluctant to dissipate completely.”
“Carla watched as smoke from neighboring homes’ chimneys hovered near their rooftops, blending with the mist.”
11. Emerged
Definition
Came into view from a concealed location.
Examples
“Cecily dialed 911 as smoke emerged from the crack in the wall of the abandoned factory, revealing the fire inside.”
“Cigar smoke emerged from the director’s mouth as he began yelling at his lead actor.”
12. Twisted
Definition
Moved in a winding or contorted manner.
Examples
“The smoke from the killer’s cigarette twisted in the wind as he strolled nonchalantly away from the crime scene.”
“The beachgoer’s bonfire gave off smoke that twisted and spiraled towards the stars above.”
13. Whirled
Definition
Moved quickly in a spinning motion.
Examples
“The smoke whirled around the room, creating a mesmerizing spectacle about the heads of those waiting for their host to address them.”
“The smoke from the forest fire whirled into the air, sending ash and sparks along with it.”
14. Sailed
Definition
Moved smoothly or gracefully through the air.
Examples
“Josh watched with childlike interest as his foster father’s pipe smoke sailed across the room and seeped through the window.”
“The smoke sailed upward from the battlefield, giving it a ghostly appearance that suited the bodies scattered across the terrain below.”
15. Settled
Definition
Descended or came to rest in a particular place.
Examples
“A thin mist of smoke settled across the surface of the river as campfires burned all around the settlement along its banks.”
“The smoke settled in the room as the nervous thief chain-smoked, leaving a stale smell lingering in the air.”
16. Wafted
Definition
Moved gently through the air, usually carrying a scent.
Examples
“The smoke from the incense stick wafted into the meditation room, creating a serene ambiance meant to put clients at ease.”
“The wind wafted the campfire smoke towards our tents, leaving them smelling of the oak and cedar logs that burned in the pit.”
17. Snaked
Definition
Moved in a winding manner like a slithering snake.
Examples
“Smoke from the ashtray snaked its way upwards like a cobra rising from its basket and moved across the room, seeking an exit.”
“The suspect’s chimney discharged smoke that snaked and curled before dissipating into the air, letting the police know that he was at home.”
18. Pirouetted
Definition
Rotated or spun gracefully and swiftly, like a dancer.
Examples
“It seemed fitting that the dancer’s cigarette smoke pirouetted in the air, spiraling and twirling much as he did on the stage.”
“The smoke from the fire pit pirouetted and dispersed into the atmosphere, giving off the most mouthwatering smell of roasting pork.”
19. Rushed
Definition
Moved or traveled rapidly.
Examples
“The smoke rushed out of the burning building, engulfing the surroundings in darkness.”
“The gust of wind rushed through the campsite, carrying the smoke away in an instant.”
20. Trickled
Definition
Moved or flowed in a slow, thin, or intermittent manner.
Examples
“The smoke trickled from beneath the crack in the door, revealing the hidden room that had caught on fire unexpectedly.”
“The smoke from my husband’s office trickled from his slightly raised window, disappearing into the air where he thought I wouldn’t notice that he was smoking again.”
21. Raced
Definition
Moved rapidly with increased speed.
Examples
“The smoke raced across the meadows, fueled by the flames that were rapidly consuming the dry sage grass.”
“Employees fled down the stairwells as the smoke raced through the hallways of the high-rise office building.”