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
3
: a decorative pouch shaped like a large sock for holding small gifts at Christmas
hung their (Christmas) stockings on the mantle
see also:
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
Just look at how the above salmon pink tights completely transform an outfit rich with jewel tones—the impact just wouldn’t be the same with a pair of black stockings.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
Other operational enhancements include new stocking protocols and a shelf replenishment initiative, which uses real-time data and AI technology to send stores a prioritized list of critical items to restock.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
On February 13th, for his free skate, Malinin glided out onto the ice wearing a sheer shirt with sequins studded in the shape of a blooming flame; the sleeves flowed past his wrists and sheathed both of his hands, like a pair of stockings masquerading as mittens.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Noonan’s killer is unnervingly tall, with a stocking mask over the top half of his head, strands of gray-blond hair poking out the back.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stocking
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Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
Other operational enhancements include new stocking protocols and a shelf replenishment initiative, which uses real-time data and AI technology to send stores a prioritized list of critical items to restock.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
On February 13th, for his free skate, Malinin glided out onto the ice wearing a sheer shirt with sequins studded in the shape of a blooming flame; the sleeves flowed past his wrists and sheathed both of his hands, like a pair of stockings masquerading as mittens.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Noonan’s killer is unnervingly tall, with a stocking mask over the top half of his head, strands of gray-blond hair poking out the back.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stocking
Cite this Entry
“Stocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stocking. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stocking
noun
stock·ing
ˈstäk-iŋ 
1
: a close-fitting usually knit covering for the foot and leg
2
Medical Definition
stocking
noun
stock·ing
ˈstäk-iŋ
: a usually knit close-fitting covering for the foot and leg see elastic stocking
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