: 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
Shoppers have even compared it to two-piece outfits from Free People—and the tiered smocking on the top, combined with the billowy shape of the pants, does look quite similar to the brand’s Riley set, which is more than three times the price.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 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
Shoppers have even compared it to two-piece outfits from Free People—and the tiered smocking on the top, combined with the billowy shape of the pants, does look quite similar to the brand’s Riley set, which is more than three times the price.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 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 17 Jun. 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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