stocks

British  

/ stɒks /

plural noun

1. history an instrument of punishment consisting of a heavy wooden frame with holes in which the feet, hands, or head of an offender were locked

2. a frame in which an animal is held while receiving veterinary attention or while being shod

3. a frame used to support a boat while under construction

4. nautical a vertical post or shaft at the forward edge of a rudder, extended upwards for attachment to the steering controls

5. in preparation or under construction

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Example Sentences

The major Wall Street lenders have been boosted by a surge in demand for trading, with investors rushing to drop riskier stocks and bonds and pile their cash into assets that are seen as safer.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Streeter added: "The volatility unleashed by the war has led to a surge in trading, as some investors sold stocks on fears of escalation, while others bought the dip, helping to fuel a recovery rally."

From BBC • May 8, 2026

We seek to find stocks of companies that can grow their dividends, because what really matters to the client is income.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

U.S. stocks fell, with the Nasdaq composite and S&P 500 pulling back from the previous day’s records.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

I broke branches off trees and bushes to build up my firewood stocks and plucked fresh leaves for my bed, and palm fronds to weave more fan-nets.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo