stock
/stɒk/
The word centers on the concept of a "reserve" or a "foundation." Whether referring to physical goods in a warehouse, financial ownership in a company, or a liquid base for a soup, it implies something held in place to be used, traded, or built upon. In a commercial sense, it conveys a feeling of availability and readiness. When a store "stocks" an item, there is a connotation of reliability and supply chain stability. In finance, the term shifts toward ownership and risk. It represents a fractional piece of a larger entity, carrying connotations of investment, speculation, and market volatility. In culinary contexts, it refers to the concentrated essence of ingredients. Unlike a simple broth, "stock" implies a deeper, more structural foundation intended to support other flavors.
Countable when referring to individual shares of a company owned by an investor ('I bought ten stocks'). Uncountable when referring to the bulk inventory in a warehouse ('We have plenty of stock') or the liquid base used for making soup ('Add two cups of chicken stock').
💬Casual Conversation
Those new granola bars are never in stock. So annoying.
DID YOU CHECK THE AISLE NEXT TO THE CEREAL? THEY ALWAYS HIDE THINGS.
Meanings
The goods or merchandise kept on the premises of a business and available for sale.
"The store is running low on stock of the latest smartphone model."
A share which entitles the holder to a fixed dividend based on the company's profits and a proportional ownership of the corporation.
"She decided to invest all her savings in tech stocks."
A liquid made by simmering meat, fish, or vegetables in water, used as a base for soups and sauces.
"The chef prepared a rich chicken stock for the velouté."
To keep a supply of something for use or sale.
"We stock a wide variety of organic vegetables in our market."
To fill with a stock of goods.
"The clerk spent the morning stocking the shelves with new inventory."
Collocations & Compounds
stock market
A market where shares of publicly listed companies are traded.
The stock market experienced a significant downturn today.
stock exchange
A regulated marketplace where securities are bought and sold.
He works as a trader on the stock exchange.
stock price
The current price at which a stock is traded.
Analysts are closely watching the stock price of the new tech company.
stock options
A benefit in the form of an option allowing the recipient the right to purchase a certain number of shares at a specified price.
Many tech startups offer stock options as part of their compensation packages.
stock certificate
A document representing ownership of a specified number of shares in a corporation.
She kept her grandfather's old stock certificate as a memento.
Phrasal Verbs
stock up on
To buy or gather a large supply of something.
We need to stock up on groceries before the storm hits.
stock pile
To accumulate a large reserve of something for future use.
The government began to stockpile medical supplies during the pandemic.
Idioms & Sayings
out of stock
Not available for sale because all available units have been sold.
Unfortunately, the item you want is currently out of stock.
take stock
To assess a situation carefully.
Before making any decisions, let's take stock of our resources.
play to the stocks
To act in a way that is calculated to gain the approval of the general public or a particular group.
The politician was accused of merely playing to the stocks with his populist rhetoric.
in stock
Available for sale or use.
Good news! The product you ordered is now in stock.
stock-in-trade
The particular goods or services that a business sells; or the typical behavior or characteristics of a person.
His sarcastic wit was his stock-in-trade.
Etymology
The word 'stock' comes from the Old English word 'stocc', meaning a trunk or log of a tree, or a post. This evolved to mean the main part or foundation of something. In the context of trade and business, it came to mean the capital invested in a business or the goods held for sale. The financial meaning of shares in a company developed in the 17th century.