Stock
/stɒk/
Definitions
5 meaningsA supply of goods or merchandise kept on hand by a business or store.
/stɒk/
A supply of goods
The warehouse is running low on stock.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're running a lemonade stand. The stock is all the lemons, sugar, and water you have ready to make your lemonade!
👶 For kids: Lots of things that a store has to sell.
More Examples
We need to take inventory of the stock.
The store's stock of winter coats is dwindling.
How It's Used
"The store has a large stock of groceries."
"They have a good stock of wood to make furniture."
A share representing a portion of ownership in a corporation.
/stɒk/
Shares in a company
Investing in stock can be risky.
💡 Simply: Think of a company like a big pizza. Buying stock is like buying a slice of that pizza, which means you own a little bit of the company!
👶 For kids: A little piece of a company you can own.
More Examples
The value of the stock rose significantly.
He owns a large amount of stock in the company.
How It's Used
"He bought stock in Apple."
"The stock market fluctuated wildly today."
The main stem or trunk of a plant, especially one used for grafting.
/stɒk/
The trunk or stem of a plant
The plant's stock had been damaged in the storm.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tree. The stock is the main part of the tree's trunk that holds everything up!
👶 For kids: The main part of a plant, like its trunk or stem.
More Examples
The farmer used the stock to propagate new plants.
The stock of the tree was thick and sturdy.
How It's Used
"The gardener grafted a new branch onto the stock of the rose bush."
"The plant's stock provided the foundation for the new growth."
A close-fitting neckband or collar, formerly worn by men or as part of certain uniforms.
/stɒk/
A type of collar or neckwear
The soldier's uniform included a stiff stock.
💡 Simply: Think of the stock as a special kind of fancy scarf or collar that people used to wear!
👶 For kids: A special necktie that some people used to wear.
More Examples
The equestrian wore a riding stock.
The historical reenactors wore period stocks to complete their costumes.
How It's Used
"The soldiers wore a stiff stock around their necks for uniform."
"He wore a riding stock with his hunting attire."
To provide or keep a supply of something.
/stɒk/
To keep or provide a supply of goods.
The supermarket stocks a wide variety of products.
💡 Simply: If you're having a party, stocking up means buying all the food and drinks you need to have a great time!
👶 For kids: To put lots of things in a place so that they can be used or sold.
More Examples
She stocked the pantry with canned goods.
We need to stock the shelves before opening.
How It's Used
"The store needs to stock the shelves with new items."
"They stocked up on supplies before the storm."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in stock
Available for purchase.
"The item is currently in stock."
out of stock
Not available for purchase.
"The product is currently out of stock."
take stock
To assess a situation or take inventory of something.
"Before making a decision, it's important to take stock of the situation."
From Old English *stocc* 'stump, post, stake', ultimately from Proto-Germanic *stukkaz* 'piece of wood'. The financial meaning developed in the 17th century, initially referring to a stake in a joint-stock company.
The financial meaning of 'stock' began to appear in the 17th century with the rise of joint-stock companies.
Memory tip
Think of a 'stock' of goods as all the items ready to be sold.
Word Origin
"stump, post, stake"