smocking

[ smok-ing ]

noun

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

smocking

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of smocking¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Literature

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

From New York Times

“Of course it turned out there was neither a mushroom cloud nor a smoking gun, or as Trump has repeatedly called it, a ‘smocking gun’,” Meyers said.

From The Guardian

And the clothes he would make for her—pink crêpe de Chine frocks with dainty smocking at the yoke and sleeves.

From Literature

The president did, however, score one recent success, when his neologism “smocking” proved popular.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• pleat