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

After sports commentator Nate Burleson stuffed America's collective stocking with an eyeful of bright red Christmas attire on Netflix's NFL Christmas Day livestream, cohost and former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan poked back. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025

One clip included a garland over a large fireplace with fairy lights and three stockings. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025

Looking for good health in their holiday stocking, these Broncos have instead received a resounding heap of coal. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Dec. 2025

National Charity members of the Class of 2030 stuffed all the stockings for the foster teens. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 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