stocking

noun

stock·​ing ˈstä-kiŋ How to pronounce stocking (audio)
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 adjective
Phrases
in one's stocking feet
: with the feet in stockings but not shoes

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 At the same time, forward stocking can result in unnecessary costs if the quantities are not forecasted accurately. Manish Kapoor, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Put together a custom Elphaba look with a black dress, a witch hat and broom, and a pair of green stockings and other green accents such as eye makeup, a purse, jewelry, and hair accessories. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stocking

Word History

Etymology

obsolete stock to cover with a stocking

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stocking was in 1580

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stocking. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

stocking

noun
stock·​ing ˈstäk-iŋ How to pronounce stocking (audio)
1
: a close-fitting usually knit covering for the foot and leg
2

Medical Definition

stocking

noun
stock·​ing ˈstäk-iŋ How to pronounce stocking (audio)
: a usually knit close-fitting covering for the foot and leg see elastic stocking

More from Merriam-Webster on stocking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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