stocking

noun

stock·​ing ˈstä-kiŋ How to pronounce stocking (audio)
Synonyms of stockingnext
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 How to pronounce stocking (audio)
adjective
see also:
in one's stocking feet

Synonyms of stocking

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Installation and maintenance, loading and stocking and construction jobs, have also failed to recover. — Irina Anghel, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 As the audience cheered, Rodrigo appeared, or possibly floated, on stage in a sheer baby doll dress and knee high stockings. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2026 The fish eat invasive weeds but don’t reproduce, leading to annual fish stocking. — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 Dancers from Parsons whirled around in their stocking feet, finding their way through a crowd that included Astrid Hill, Chris and Christina Cuomo, and Lisa and Richard Perry. — Vanessa Grigoriadis, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stocking

Word History

Etymology

obsolete stock to cover with a stocking

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stocking was in 1580

Phrases Containing stocking

Rhymes for stocking

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Browse Nearby Words

stockinette
stocking
stocking cap
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stocking. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stocking

noun
stock·​ing ˈstäk-iŋ How to pronounce stocking (audio)
1
: a close-fitting usually knit covering for the foot and leg
2
: sock entry 1

Medical Definition

stocking

noun
stock·​ing ˈstäk-iŋ How to pronounce stocking (audio)
: a usually knit close-fitting covering for the foot and leg see elastic stocking

More from Merriam-Webster on stocking

Nglish: Translation of stocking for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stocking

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