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

White catfish are popular freshwater catfish used for stocking ponds and private lakes. —Ken Perrotte, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026

That means clear responsibility for stocking products, better oversight, visible and consistently filled dispensers, staff training, and real time reporting when supplies run low. —Gale Brewer, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026

The actress accented the dress with white gloves, white stockings and white ballet flats. —Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026

Hang the stockings and ask Santa for healthy ankles. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 14 May 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