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

Up close, the glittery robe was revealed to not be a show-biz smock but a regal Ethiopian kaba. —Chris Willman, Variety, 27 June 2025

Sartorial choices can be political, like donning a plain smock to signal allegiance to the working class, or balancing the desire to signify status while still conforming to the style of one’s peers. —Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 10 June 2025

Verb

The look featured some retro inspiration, thanks in part to the statement smocking at the waist. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 July 2025

Jacquard fabrics with loose threads create a furry surface, while appliqués and smocking nod to the theme’s focus on craftsmanship. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 May 2025

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