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

Freezing tights, pantyhose, and delicate stockings can help extend their longevity. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026

Robbie's dress featured a strapless, sheer stocking-like overlay that revealed a floral pattern underneath. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026

Claude ran the business into the ground in only a month through a string of very poor pricing and stocking decisions. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026

Rhonda Callahan, the founder and executive director of Torch 180, says the new retail space provides a lot of opportunities for people with differing abilities, like working the cash register, stocking items, and even making things. —Elle Meyers, CBS News, 27 Jan. 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
• 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