: a decorative embroidery or shirring made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks
Examples of smocking in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The flowy silhouette allows for easy movement, while the smocking provides an unrestrictive, flexible feel.
—
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
Speaking of texture, the smocking effect of this boho set adds an expensive-looking edge, even though the whole thing is under $50.
—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
2 June 2026
At Ulla Johnson, smocking appeared on romantic drop-waist maxis.
—
Irina Grechko,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
Colorful graduation dresses Elastic smocking hugs the bodice for a secure fit, while flutter sleeves and ruffles keep this dress cool and breezy.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
In addition to focusing on feminine touches, including ruffles, smocking and delicate straps, breathable fabrics help the brand stand out.
—
Dahvi Shira,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Liu’s work often merges corsetry, delicate smocking, and floral motifs with a romantic yet subversive edge.
—
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Queen Letizia’s cotton gray blue midi dress featured a wide elastic waist, also known as smocking.
—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
2 July 2025
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Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
Speaking of texture, the smocking effect of this boho set adds an expensive-looking edge, even though the whole thing is under $50.
—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
2 June 2026
At Ulla Johnson, smocking appeared on romantic drop-waist maxis.
—
Irina Grechko,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
Colorful graduation dresses Elastic smocking hugs the bodice for a secure fit, while flutter sleeves and ruffles keep this dress cool and breezy.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
In addition to focusing on feminine touches, including ruffles, smocking and delicate straps, breathable fabrics help the brand stand out.
—
Dahvi Shira,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Liu’s work often merges corsetry, delicate smocking, and floral motifs with a romantic yet subversive edge.
—
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Queen Letizia’s cotton gray blue midi dress featured a wide elastic waist, also known as smocking.
—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smocking. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
smocking
noun
smock·ing
ˈsmäk-iŋ 
: a decorative embroidery or shirring made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks
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