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

And though some may call it overly sweet, Christopher’s Big Cherry does fit perfectly in a Christmas stocking, and that’s a big win. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

The stocking was done in 1941 and ’42. — Hank Bradshaw, Outdoor Life, 24 June 2026

The white stockings, who eventually became the Chicago Cubs, not the White Sox. — Ryan Baker, CBS News, 22 June 2026

Residents assemble altars at the thresholds of their homes, adorning them with prized heirloom linens, and step into stockings, underskirts, petticoats, and blouses that have been painstakingly hand-stitched and preserved across generations. — Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 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