smocking

noun

smock·​ing ˈsmä-kiŋ 

: 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

Queen Letizia’s cotton gray blue midi dress featured a wide elastic waist, also known as smocking. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 July 2025

Liu’s work often merges corsetry, delicate smocking, and floral motifs with a romantic yet subversive edge. — Essence, 4 Sep. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for smocking

• blocking
• calking
• caulking
• chalking
• clocking
• cocking
• docking
• flocking
• gawking
• knocking
• locking
• mocking

Kids Definition

smocking

noun

smock·​ing ˈsmäk-iŋ 

: a decorative embroidery or shirring made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks