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

Phrases

in one's stocking feet

: with the feet in stockings but not shoes

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

Drape one across your mantel to disguise your stocking hardware, or greet guests with a front door wreath that helps to create a welcoming entrance. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025

Leotards, animal ears and face paint have replaced sexy costumes, high heels and fishnet stockings. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025

Klum paired her thigh-highs with delicate fishnet stockings that completed the look. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025

At her spring show, Marie-Adam Leenaerdt brought back the style, but her shiny spandex stocking version ensures no one confuses the look for child’s play. —Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 30 Oct. 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