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

• hose
• 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

Perfect for casual sipping or stocking up for parties. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

At Savage, the Underwear People are out in force, dancing in corsets or merry widows, their thigh-high stockings held up by garters. —Amy Virshup, Vulture, 14 May 2025

In terms of products, Cavalcante recommends stocking up on light-hold leave-in conditioner and texturizing spray. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 8 May 2025

The actress accessorized with sheer black fishnet stockings and wore a pair of over-the-knee, pointed-toe, black heeled boots. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 May 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