stock
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.the total amount of goods or materials a shop or company has available to use or sell.
n.the physical inventory of goods or raw materials held by a business for production or sale.
Simple“The shop is out of stock of that specific model, but we can order it for you.”
In context“Disruptions in the global supply chain meant that many retailers were unable to maintain sufficient stock for the holiday season.”
UsageOften used in the phrases 'in stock' or 'out of stock'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a share in the ownership of a company, which can be bought and sold as an investment.
n.the capital raised by a corporation through the distribution of shares, entitling holders to a portion of the profits.
Simple“He decided to invest his savings in technology stocks.”
In context“The company's stock plummeted following the announcement of the CEO's sudden resignation.”
UsageIn American English, 'stock' is often used where British English prefers 'shares'.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a liquid made by boiling meat, bones, or vegetables in water, used to add flavour to soups and sauces.
n.a liquid preparation consisting of water simmered with aromatics, bones, or vegetables, serving as a foundational base in cookery.
Simple“I used homemade chicken stock to give the risotto more flavour.”
In context“A rich, well-reduced veal stock is essential for creating a traditional demi-glace.”
UsageUsually uncountable.
Synonymsbrothbouillon - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.animals such as cows and sheep that are kept on a farm.
n.domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities; a shortening of 'livestock'.
Simple“The farmer went out early to check on his stock in the lower field.”
In context“The drought has made it increasingly difficult for local farmers to provide enough water for their stock.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
n.a person's family background or where their ancestors came from.
n.the line of descent or ancestry of a person, animal, or plant.
Simple“She comes from sturdy peasant stock.”
In context“The researcher traced the migratory patterns of the original breeding stock across the continent.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is often used in the phrase 'of [adjective] stock' to describe someone's heritage.
- 06 C2 Proficiency
n.the wooden or plastic part of a rifle that you hold against your shoulder.
n.the part of a rifle or other firearm to which the barrel and mechanism are attached, held against the shoulder during firing.
Simple“The rifle had a polished walnut stock.”
In context“The marksman adjusted the length of the stock to ensure a more comfortable and stable aim.”
- 07 B1 Intermediate
v.to keep a supply of something so that it is available for customers to buy.
v.to maintain an inventory of specific goods for sale or use.
Simple“Does this supermarket stock international newspapers?”
In context“The boutique prides itself on stocking exclusive labels that cannot be found elsewhere in the city.”
- 08 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.usual or typical; often used to describe a common type of character or a standard answer.
adj.regularly available or used; frequently used to describe stereotypical characters or formulaic responses.
Simple“The politician gave a stock answer that didn't really explain anything.”
In context“The film was criticised for relying on stock characters rather than developing unique personalities.”
UsageUsually sits before the noun.
Synonyms
Usage stock market
* As an English surname, from the noun stock (“stock, tree stump”). This sense is also found respectively in Dutch and German, and Slavic borrowings of them. Compare Stocker. * Also as an English surname, variant of Stoker. * (Stockton): Clipping of Stockton.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.