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

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

Synonyms of stocking

• 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

Earlier this week at a photo call in London, Robbie also dipped her toe into the late 1700s by way of a John Galliano brocade frock coat styled with a black mini skirt, thigh-high scarlet red stockings and satin Manolo Blahnik pumps. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026

Robbie's dress came with a strapless, sheer stocking-like overlay, revealing a ditsy floral pattern underneath. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026

Margot Robbie’s red thigh-high stockings are more than just a nod to the Victorian boudoir—though that element is definitely present. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026

Now, Gabbard is MAGA down to her stocking feet. —Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for stocking

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

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