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
The Warden Service website explains that pilots serve an essential role in search-and-rescue efforts, as well as aerial fish stocking.
—
Neal Riley, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Shorter skirts, flat shoes instead of heels, tights replacing stockings and garments stripped of unnecessary constraints.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Nylon — used heavily in activewear, stockings, swimwear and outerwear.
—Ryan Brennan
may 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Pink salmon are native to the Pacific Ocean, but were accidentally introduced into Lake Superior in 1956 after excess juvenile fish tied to a Hudson Bay stocking project were unintentionally released into nearby waterways.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stocking
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Neal Riley, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Shorter skirts, flat shoes instead of heels, tights replacing stockings and garments stripped of unnecessary constraints.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Nylon — used heavily in activewear, stockings, swimwear and outerwear.
—Ryan Brennan
may 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Pink salmon are native to the Pacific Ocean, but were accidentally introduced into Lake Superior in 1956 after excess juvenile fish tied to a Hudson Bay stocking project were unintentionally released into nearby waterways.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 8 May 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 15 May. 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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