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

Burlington is hiring seasonal cashiers, sales and stocking associates at several San Diego stores. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025

Some of the largest threats include climate change and fish introductions -- both by invasive species or game fish stocking, scientists say. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2025

Electra added even more sexy touches to her outfit with the addition of tiny denim shorts — which featured a cheeky black lace-up detail at the hips to show off even more skin — and black fishnet stockings. —Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025

When a pod begins to dry out, take a mesh bag or stocking, cut off the toe, and slip it over a pod, tying it off on the pod’s stem. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 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