smocking

American  

[smok-ing] / ˈsmɒk ɪŋ /

noun

1. smocked needlework.

2. embroidery stitches used to hold gathered cloth in even folds.

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smocking British  

/ ˈsmɒkɪŋ /

noun

1. ornamental needlework used to gather and stitch material in a honeycomb pattern so that the part below the gathers hangs in even folds

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Etymology

Origin of smocking

First recorded in 1885–90; smock + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Even down to the shape of this smocking and the crystal application and then the dégradé within the cape.

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2021

In that sense, perhaps this was a win of some kind for the president, whose Twitter hot streak has left him positively smocking.

From Salon • Dec. 10, 2018

The latest misspelling came on Wednesday when Trump tried to quote a guest on Fox News, only to type smocking gun when he should have written smoking gun.

From Slate • Aug. 2, 2018

I counted at least six different needlework techniques—including smocking, pin pleats, and rosettes—that descended from puffed shoulder to netting-frilled wrist.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 12, 2016

Beatrice was wearing her polished cotton, very girlish with the smocking across the bodice.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• pleat