smock

American  

[smok] / smɒk /

noun

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

---

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

---

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

"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

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

From Slate • May 2, 2025

He said: "When you've been sitting there since the crack of dawn in a smock waiting to have open heart surgery, however calm I tried to feel, you still get a bit nervous."

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2024

He donned a chef’s smock this week to show a couple of them off, including a green salad with apple, almonds, blueberry vinaigrette — and roasted cicadas.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2024

Ignatius asked furiously, smoothing the vendor’s smock over his body.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Related Words

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