stocking

1 of 2

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

stocking

2 of 2

present participle of stock entry 2

Synonyms of stocking

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Noun

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Examples of stocking in a Sentence

Noun 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.
Noun
Get out the sewing machine and turn the areas of favorite sheets, bedspreads, quilts, or other linens that are still in good shape into charming stockings, tote bags, pillow covers, or table runners. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 With his snug corset and unsubtle make-up and minuscule shorts to which are fastened fishnet stockings, Curry’s kooky scientist with a penchant for brewing male lovers in his lab is one of pop-culture’s unlikely icons. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 Thigh-high stockings and PVC platforms—complete with feather pom-poms—topped off her look. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 One challenge for Japan is changing office culture, which has long expected men to dress in suits while women are expected to wear stockings and formal skirts. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stocking

Word History

Etymology

Noun

obsolete stock to cover with a stocking

First Known Use

Noun

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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stocking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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