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

For some patients who cannot move or have more limited mobility, external devices or compression stockings can help prevent clots as well. —Paul Sisson, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025

For some patients who cannot move or have more limited mobility, external devices or compression stockings can help prevent clots as well. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025

Instead of pairing the look with pants, Lopez opted for sheer black floral-print stockings and pointed black heels. —Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Her handiwork is tucked into jacket linings, stitched onto knits and splashed across sheer Step Up stockings. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 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