stocking

noun

stock·​ing ˈstä-kiŋ 

1

a

: a usually knit close-fitting covering for the foot and leg

b

: sock

2

: something resembling a stocking

especially : a ring of distinctive color on the lower part of the leg of an animal

stockinged

ˈstä-kiŋd 

adjective

Phrases

in one's stocking feet

: with the feet in stockings but not shoes

Synonyms

• hose
• sock

Examples of stocking in a Sentence

a pair of wool stockings

thick wool stockings designed to be worn with hiking boots

Recent Examples on the Web

Both Saint Laurent and Julie de Libran paired bow blouses with transparent stockings, skirts, and heels, as well as long skirts. —Paulina Berges, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

Inject the opulent shades into your decor with ornaments, stockings, ribbons, and garlands. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024

Bennett, Peterman and a weekly guest judge gently remove one contestant – and one stocking – each week based on the contests. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

But quickly stocking, staffing and opening up stores, only to close them down months later is no easy feat. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete stock to cover with a stocking

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stocking

• body stocking
• Christmas stocking
• silk stocking
• stocking cap
• stocking filler
• stocking stuffer

Kids Definition

stocking

noun

stock·​ing ˈstäk-iŋ 

1

: a close-fitting usually knit covering for the foot and leg

2

: sock entry 1

Medical Definition

stocking

noun

stock·​ing ˈstäk-iŋ 

: a usually knit close-fitting covering for the foot and leg see elastic stocking