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.
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 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 9 Jul. 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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