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

Blood thinning therapies: Blood thinners and compression stockings can prevent blood clots from cancer treatment. Antibiotics and vaccines: These treatments reduce the risks and complications of infections. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025

Popular garb for the evening included leather skirts, leather belts, leather vests, fishnet stockings and, for some, almost nothing at all. —Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025

And for anyone who wants to get even more personal with the French general, Sotheby’s is also selling his worn stockings and portable camp bed. —George Nelson For Artnews, Robb Report, 26 May 2025

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

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