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 latter’s got the best straight-line speed and elusiveness of the group, but is also slight in frame, standing about 6-foot-even in stocking feet.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
In 2024, archivists opened parcels from the Anne-Marie cargo ship, which was seized by the British Navy during the Second Battle of Copenhagen, finding a sweater, stockings, silver coins and other items from the ship.
—CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The formula works on bare skin or through stockings or tights.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Tommy disburses stuffings and sauces to hungry locals as the GIs seduced their grandmothers with Camels and nylon stockings.
—Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stocking
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Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
In 2024, archivists opened parcels from the Anne-Marie cargo ship, which was seized by the British Navy during the Second Battle of Copenhagen, finding a sweater, stockings, silver coins and other items from the ship.
—CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The formula works on bare skin or through stockings or tights.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Tommy disburses stuffings and sauces to hungry locals as the GIs seduced their grandmothers with Camels and nylon stockings.
—Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 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 8 Apr. 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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