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

How many coaches were rewarded with a quarterback in their stockings during Christmas break? —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025

These beautiful stockings were filled to the brim with wonderful items that were purchased or donated to Friends of San Pasqual Academy. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2025

Tights move from an ensemble cast member to near top billing, there is just so much more stocking visible with a higher hemline. —Chloe Malle, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024

Qualley, 30, wrapped herself in a burgundy coat paired with black stockings, while her husband Antonoff, 40, donned a casual look of jeans, a yellow top, and a black puffer jacket. —Escher Walcott, People.com, 29 Dec. 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