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
Madonna appeared alongside Carpenter wearing a corset, camisole, gloves, stockings and boots, all in purple.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
The hat is meant to resemble a religious mitre, adding a signature white stocking in the middle.
—Chris Fusco, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2026
Meghan seemingly skipped stockings while wearing dresses and skirts for other outings this week in Australia, a trip which marks her and Harry's first return to the continent since their royal tour of the South Pacific in 2018.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Michigan Department of Natural Resources The DNR recreational stocking efforts include lake trout, brown trout, walleye and other species at locations across the state.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stocking
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Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
The hat is meant to resemble a religious mitre, adding a signature white stocking in the middle.
—Chris Fusco, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2026
Meghan seemingly skipped stockings while wearing dresses and skirts for other outings this week in Australia, a trip which marks her and Harry's first return to the continent since their royal tour of the South Pacific in 2018.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Michigan Department of Natural Resources The DNR recreational stocking efforts include lake trout, brown trout, walleye and other species at locations across the state.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 8 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 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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