Word
stocks
US/ˈstɑks/
UK/stˈɒks/
Definitions
01financial shares
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. shares in the ownership of a company that can be bought and sold.
n. shares of ownership in a corporation, representing a claim on part of the corporation's assets and earnings.
“He decided to invest his savings in stocks and bonds for long-term growth.”
“The sudden volatility in tech stocks caused widespread concern among institutional investors who had previously predicted a stable quarter.”
Usage
Usually plural when referring to the market in general.
02historical punishment
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Archaic
n. a wooden frame with holes for feet and hands, used long ago to punish people in public.
n. a wooden apparatus with holes for the feet and sometimes hands, formerly used for public exposure and punishment of offenders.
“In the old days, people were sometimes put in the stocks for minor crimes.”
“The village green still features a replica of the medieval stocks, serving as a grim reminder of historical judicial practices.”
Usage
Always plural in this sense.
Synonyms
03shipbuilding frame
C2 · Proficiency Plural noun Science Technical
n. the wooden or metal frame that supports a ship while it is being built.
n. the framework or timbers on which a ship rests while being constructed or repaired.
“The massive hull of the new cargo ship sat firmly on the stocks.”
“The vessel remained on the stocks for eighteen months before the hull was deemed seaworthy enough for the official launch ceremony.”
Usage
Usually plural in a nautical context.
Real-World Examples
“He has also warned that stocks of medicines at the disaster sites are running low.” “That has raised the risks around AI-related stocks, he adds.” “In the 2024 American National Election Studies , for example, 21% of those who identify as working class have a college degree, only 5% belong to a private-sector union, and 37% own stocks.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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