smock

1 of 2

noun

ˈsmäk 

1

archaic : a woman's undergarment

especially : chemise

2

: a light loose garment worn especially for protection of clothing while working

smock

2 of 2

verb

smocked; smocking; smocks

transitive verb

: to embroider or shirr with smocking

Examples of smock in a Sentence

Noun

The children's smocks were covered with paint.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The film’s opening shot is witty and unexpected: rack upon rack of identical doctors’ and nurses’ smocks, traveling steadily through the industrial laundry process, alluding to further layers of weary human labor that keep the public healthcare system running. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025

Online speculation about Mangione's safety in prison has arisen after fellow inmate Vaughn Wright wrote in an online essay that Mangione was wearing an anti-suicide smock, called a turtle suit, instead of a standard uniform. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Verb

The breezy cotton keeps things airy in high temperatures, and smocking in the back helps the dress move with you. —Shea Simmons, Peoplemag, 21 July 2024

Their signature square necklines, bow fastenings, puff sleeves, and smocked or boned bodices are similar to those worn in the series. —Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English smok, from Old English smoc; akin to Old High German smocco adornment

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing smock

• lady's-smock
• smock frock

Rhymes for smock

• balk
• baulk
• bloc
• bock
• broch
• brock
• calk
• caulk
• chalk
• chock
• clock
• cock

Kids Definition

smock

1 of 2 noun

ˈsmäk 

1

archaic : a woman's undergarment

especially : chemise sense 1

2

: a light loose garment worn usually over regular clothing for protection from dirt

smock

2 of 2 verb

: to embroider or shirr with smocking