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
see also:
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
Oldroyd used to work at a local grocery store stocking shelves, Jones said.
—
ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
As part of his reward for donating his roe-swollen bigmouth to the stocking program, he’ll be given a replica mount of the huge fish.
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
Charlize Theron—who has worked with Dior for over 20 years now—stopped by the brand’s show at Paris Fashion Week on March 3 wearing head-to-toe black, including a micro miniskirt, thigh-high stockings, a cape, and sunglasses.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
Other operational enhancements include new stocking protocols and a shelf replenishment initiative, which uses real-time data and AI technology to send stores a prioritized list of critical items to restock.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stocking
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ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
As part of his reward for donating his roe-swollen bigmouth to the stocking program, he’ll be given a replica mount of the huge fish.
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
Charlize Theron—who has worked with Dior for over 20 years now—stopped by the brand’s show at Paris Fashion Week on March 3 wearing head-to-toe black, including a micro miniskirt, thigh-high stockings, a cape, and sunglasses.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
Other operational enhancements include new stocking protocols and a shelf replenishment initiative, which uses real-time data and AI technology to send stores a prioritized list of critical items to restock.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stocking
Cite this Entry
“Stocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stocking. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stocking
noun
stock·ing
ˈstäk-iŋ 
1
: a close-fitting usually knit covering for the foot and leg
2
Medical Definition
stocking
noun
stock·ing
ˈstäk-iŋ
: a usually knit close-fitting covering for the foot and leg see elastic stocking
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