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

3

: a decorative pouch shaped like a large sock for holding small gifts at Christmas

hung their (Christmas) stockings on the mantle

stockinged

ˈstä-kiŋd 

adjective

see also:

in one's stocking feet

Synonyms of stocking

• 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

Fishnet tights, lavender thigh-high stockings and Saint Laurent’s metallic leather Danceteria boots carried the palette to the knee. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 19 July 2026

Working full time as a cashier and stocking shelves, Bo felt productive. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Representatives from Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s and Aldi did not respond to requests for comment regarding changes to sourcing, vetting and stocking of products amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Each mint green stocking features a nostalgic Christmas village scene with Santa, teddy bears, a rocking horse, a gingerbread house, and woodland creatures, and can be personalized for each family member. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

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
• in one's stocking feet
• silk-stocking
• stocking cap
• stocking filler
• stocking stuffer

Rhymes for stocking

• blocking
• calking
• caulking
• chalking
• clocking
• cocking
• docking
• flocking
• gawking
• knocking
• locking
• mocking

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