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

In one shot, the robot was positioned beside her in the car, while a second image focused on the reality star's stockings. —Clare Fisher, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Oranges, then considered a special and scarce fruit, were placed in stockings for a sweet surprise on Christmas morning. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2024

Other offerings, which were previously on sale, include a holiday stocking (for $48), hoodies, t-shirts, and beanies. —Bychris Morris, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024

At less than 3 ounces, the straw and its accompanying leak-proof carry case slip into any size bag (or holiday stocking!). —Joni Sweet, Forbes, 1 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