# stock /ˈstɑk/ (US) · /stˈɒk/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stock Updated: 2026-08-15 ## Senses ### 1. supply of goods noun · CEFR B1 the total amount of goods or materials a shop or company has available to use or sell. For teachers: the physical inventory of goods or raw materials held by a business for production or sale. - The shop is out of stock of that specific model, but we can order it for you. - Disruptions in the global supply chain meant that many retailers were unable to maintain sufficient stock for the holiday season. Usage: Often used in the phrases 'in stock' or 'out of stock'. ### 2. company shares noun · CEFR B2 a share in the ownership of a company, which can be bought and sold as an investment. For teachers: the capital raised by a corporation through the distribution of shares, entitling holders to a portion of the profits. - He decided to invest his savings in technology stocks. - The company's stock plummeted following the announcement of the CEO's sudden resignation. Usage: In American English, 'stock' is often used where British English prefers 'shares'. ### 3. cooking liquid noun · CEFR B1 a liquid made by boiling meat, bones, or vegetables in water, used to add flavour to soups and sauces. For teachers: a liquid preparation consisting of water simmered with aromatics, bones, or vegetables, serving as a foundational base in cookery. - I used homemade chicken stock to give the risotto more flavour. - A rich, well-reduced veal stock is essential for creating a traditional demi-glace. Usage: Usually uncountable. ### 4. farm animals noun · CEFR B2 animals such as cows and sheep that are kept on a farm. For teachers: domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities; a shortening of 'livestock'. - The farmer went out early to check on his stock in the lower field. - The drought has made it increasingly difficult for local farmers to provide enough water for their stock. ### 5. ancestry noun · CEFR C1 · Formal a person's family background or where their ancestors came from. For teachers: the line of descent or ancestry of a person, animal, or plant. - She comes from sturdy peasant stock. - The researcher traced the migratory patterns of the original breeding stock across the continent. Teaching tip: This sense is often used in the phrase 'of [adjective] stock' to describe someone's heritage. ### 6. gun handle noun · CEFR C2 · Technical the wooden or plastic part of a rifle that you hold against your shoulder. For teachers: the part of a rifle or other firearm to which the barrel and mechanism are attached, held against the shoulder during firing. - The rifle had a polished walnut stock. - The marksman adjusted the length of the stock to ensure a more comfortable and stable aim. ### 7. to keep for sale verb · CEFR B1 to keep a supply of something so that it is available for customers to buy. For teachers: to maintain an inventory of specific goods for sale or use. - Does this supermarket stock international newspapers? - The boutique prides itself on stocking exclusive labels that cannot be found elsewhere in the city. ### 8. standard or cliché adjective · CEFR B2 usual or typical; often used to describe a common type of character or a standard answer. For teachers: regularly available or used; frequently used to describe stereotypical characters or formulaic responses. - The politician gave a stock answer that didn't really explain anything. - The film was criticised for relying on stock characters rather than developing unique personalities. Usage: Usually sits before the noun. ## Examples - She buys stock in technology companies. - Many people invest in the stock market hoping to grow their savings over time. - The company's stock price plummeted after the CEO announced unexpectedly poor quarterly earnings, wiping out billions in shareholder value. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.