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

• 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

Cardi completed the edgy ensemble with black fishnet stockings, black leather lace-up knee-high heels and oversize chunky hoop earrings in silver. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Today’s news is a very full stocking of brand new LLM editions from three of the biggies – OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The resort’s Villa experience includes access to dedicated Villa Coordinators and 24/7 staff, who can arrange everything from pre-arrival grocery stocking and aromatherapy preferences to intimate, candlelit dinners on the ocean-view terrace. —John Vorwald, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2025

The bar is decorated with candy canes, stockings, elves, Santas, reindeer, presents and Christmas trees. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025

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