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

Smock had testified as an expert on strangulation as a witness for the prosecution in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

L.A.’s Mohawk General Store has mastered the ultimate wardrobe building block via its Smock Big Pocket tee.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

“It turned and it went east early, and that kind of scared everybody in town here,” Mr. Smock said.

From New York Times • Sep. 30, 2022

Smock has said on the site that he works with the school to wean boys off medications for behavioral issues.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 24, 2021

Here he remained during the whole season, as joint-manager with Sheridan, in the direction and profits of the Theatre Royal in Smock Alley.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 4 "G" to "Gaskell, Elizabeth" by Various

Related Words

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