: 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
Colorful graduation dresses Elastic smocking hugs the bodice for a secure fit, while flutter sleeves and ruffles keep this dress cool and breezy.
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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
The many sweet details — from the smocking at the waist to the decorative front tie — are just the kind of charming twists the day calls for.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
The matching pink tea-length skirt featured Emily Adams Bode Aujla’s signature crafty details, with bands of smocking and cross-stitching at the waistband.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
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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
The many sweet details — from the smocking at the waist to the decorative front tie — are just the kind of charming twists the day calls for.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
The matching pink tea-length skirt featured Emily Adams Bode Aujla’s signature crafty details, with bands of smocking and cross-stitching at the waistband.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Smocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smocking. Accessed 14 May. 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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