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

Phrases

in one's stocking feet

: with the feet in stockings but not shoes

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

Best Beauty Stocking Stuffer Ideas, at a Glance When shopping for Christmas stocking gifts, consider a few categories. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 13 Nov. 2025

Because — and this news may hit you like a lump of coal in your stocking — Santa’s is closed forever. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

Family Heirlooms Handmade stockings, needlepoint pillows, old European villages, tartan tree skirts—these holiday decorations and more have been passed down through generations. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025

Snag it for yourself, or use the box to stuff stockings or for small gifts for friends and family throughout the season. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 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