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 in one's stocking feet
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
Colorful striped knit stockings could be seen hanging over the crackling fire.
—
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
Snowflakes, gingerbread men, and stockings can all become wax tea lights to make your Christmas mantel look extra cozy.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025
In preparation for his first overseas voyage, Marty loaded up on nylon stockings, which cost him 50 cents per pair and sold for a pound sterling apiece — a 400-percent return at the time.
—Julien Levy, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025
Justin later shared a selfie in front of a fireplace lined with Christmas stockings, as well as a photo of himself and his wife, Rhode founder Hailey Bieber, bundled up in winter gear.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stocking
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.
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
Snowflakes, gingerbread men, and stockings can all become wax tea lights to make your Christmas mantel look extra cozy.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025
In preparation for his first overseas voyage, Marty loaded up on nylon stockings, which cost him 50 cents per pair and sold for a pound sterling apiece — a 400-percent return at the time.
—Julien Levy, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025
Justin later shared a selfie in front of a fireplace lined with Christmas stockings, as well as a photo of himself and his wife, Rhode founder Hailey Bieber, bundled up in winter gear.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stocking
Cite this Entry
“Stocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stocking. Accessed 6 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share