smocking

noun

smock·​ing ˈsmä-kiŋ How to pronounce smocking (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The smocking around the waistline creates a slimming effect and the ruffle sleeves lend to romantic detailing. Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2024 The ties, puff-sleeves, and smocking are subtle enough to wear this on repeat for years to come. Neha Tandon, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2024 There’s elastic smocking in the back for comfort, and our favorite feature, pockets on the front seams. Shea Simmons, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2024 With all-over smocking that adds fun texture and a playful ruffle hem and neckline, this dress is ready to bring the party. Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 The smocking and tie-front features ensure a great fit, while the rest of the dress capitalizes on comfort. Erin Johnson, Peoplemag, 31 July 2023 And then there are textural design features that disguise creases, like smocking, stretchy rib-knits, and crinkle-cuts. Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2023 This year, Loeffler Randall has expanded its wedding suite with contemporary-yet-confectionary wedding dresses, resplendent with romantic smocking and poufy sleeves (left) or crafted in lace with a peek-a-boo sheer hem (below). Halie Lesavage, harpersbazaar.com, 22 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smocking was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near smocking

Cite this Entry

“Smocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smocking. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

smocking

noun
smock·​ing ˈsmäk-iŋ How to pronounce smocking (audio)
: a decorative embroidery or shirring made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks

More from Merriam-Webster on smocking

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