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

There are spaces to record facts about spouses with details such as birthdays, dress sizes, stocking sizes and glove sizes. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025

Officials have temporarily suspended fish stocking, officials said, adding that swimming and fishing in the Oconaluftee River, Raven Fork and Bunches Creek are safe. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025

Similarly, in a conversation between Campbell and Westwood filmed for British Vogue in 2019, the designer also placed blame on the stockings. —Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 19 June 2025

Stuff the fur into an old nylon stocking or burlap to create a physical barrier, or sprinkle the loose fur around the base of your plant. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 18 June 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