smock

American  

[smok] / smɒk /

noun

1. a loose, lightweight overgarment worn to protect the clothing while working.

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verb (used with object)

1. to clothe in a smock.

2. to draw (a fabric) by needlework into a honeycomb pattern with diamond-shaped recesses.

smock British  

/ smɒk /

noun

1. any loose protective garment, worn by artists, laboratory technicians, etc

2. a woman's loose blouse-like garment, reaching to below the waist, worn over slacks, etc

3. Also called: smock frock.  a loose protective overgarment decorated with smocking, worn formerly esp by farm workers

4. archaic a woman's loose undergarment, worn from the 16th to the 18th centuries

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verb

1. to ornament (a garment) with smocking

Other Word Forms

• smocklike
  adjective
• unsmocked
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of smock

before 1000; Middle English (noun), Old English smocc; originally name for a garment with a hole for the head; compare Old Norse smjūga to put on (a garment) over the head

Explanation

A smock is a piece of clothing that's worn to protect the clothes it covers, like an artist's smock or an old-fashioned shepherd's smock. When you wear a smock, you put on a loose, protective garment that resembles an apron with sleeves. When you smock, however, you use a special sewing technique that makes small, decorative pleats or gathers. The Old English root of smock is smoc, "loose-fitting woman's undergarment," which is probably related to the Old English smūgan, "to creep," and the Old Norse smjúga, "to put on or creep into a garment."

Example Sentences

Instead of traditional chef’s whites, they’re reaching for Hedley and Bennett’s durable but refined cotton-linen smock and a pair of comfortable clogs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

"Unlike kente, which is largely ceremonial, the smock is everyday wear," he said, referring to another form of traditional Ghanian dress worn during major celebrations.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

But almost every silhouette was inspired after a specific design she used for almost all her shirts: a boxy shape with four front pockets and partial buttons, similar to a smock.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2025

There, finally, on the other side of the plexiglass, sat Khalil, swimming in a large blue smock.

From Slate • May 2, 2025

“Now'you done it,” Mrs. Reilly was saying to Ignatius, her hands grasping the white smock.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Related Words

• apparel
• attire
• costume
• ensemble
• frock
• garb
• gown
• robe
• skirt
• suit
• uniform
• wardrobe