stocking

1 of 2

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

3

: a decorative pouch shaped like a large sock for holding small gifts at Christmas

hung their (Christmas) stockings on the mantle

stockinged

ˈstä-kiŋd 

adjective

see also:

in one's stocking feet

stocking

2 of 2

present participle of stock entry 2

Synonyms of stocking

Noun

• sock

Examples of stocking in a Sentence

Noun

a pair of wool stockings

thick wool stockings designed to be worn with hiking boots

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This was the third stocking trip for Skylar Spence, a fly fisher from Glendale. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026

In 1940 came the invention of nylon undergarments, which meant women of the midcentury could be more comfortable and less revealing in stockings that mimicked some skin tones. — April White, JSTOR Daily, 2 Sep. 2026

Prepare Your Delicates Place delicate items like bras, stockings, and fine knitwear in zippered mesh bags. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Get out the sewing machine and turn the areas of favorite sheets, bedspreads, quilts, or other linens that are still in good shape into charming stockings, tote bags, pillow covers, or table runners. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

obsolete stock to cover with a stocking

First Known Use

Noun

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stocking

• body stocking
• Christmas stocking
• in one's stocking feet
• silk stocking
• stocking cap
• stocking filler
• stocking stuffer

Rhymes for stocking

• blocking
• calking
• caulking
• chalking
• clocking
• cocking
• docking
• flocking
• gawking
• knocking
• locking
• mocking

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