stocking

[ stok-ing ]

noun

1. a close-fitting covering for the foot and part of the leg, usually knitted, of wool, cotton, nylon, silk, or similar material.
2. something resembling such a covering.

stocking

/ ˈstɒkɪŋ /

noun

1. one of a pair of close-fitting garments made of knitted yarn to cover the foot and part or all of the leg
2. something resembling this in position, function, appearance, etc
3. in one's stocking feet or in one's stockinged feet
   wearing stockings or socks but no shoes

Other Words From

• stockinged adjective
• stocking·less adjective
• half-stocking noun
• over·stocking noun
• un·stockinged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stocking¹

First recorded in 1575–85; stock + -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stocking¹

C16: from dialect stock stocking + -ing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in one's stocking feet, wearing stockings, but without shoes:

   Be careful of glass splinters if you walk through here in your stocking feet.

Example Sentences

According to CNBC, Starbucks is contemplating bringing back ceramic mugs for dine-in beverages, as well as returning to stocking physical newspapers.

From Salon

The gift suggestions here all have two things in common: They’re small enough to stow in a stocking, and they give off serious big California energy.

From Los Angeles Times

Today there are more than 250 stores across the country and five kiosks scattered throughout Los Angeles International Airport terminals, which, when the holiday travel rush gets underway, may be the perfect place to stock up on last-minute stocking stuffers — Santa-shaped or otherwise.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking of which, there are a couple of reasons why the zine version of that beach guide is worth stuffing in a stocking for the surf-and-sand-loving set on your nice list.

From Los Angeles Times

Then acknowledge their enthusiasm by tucking this 3¼-inch-by-2-inch magnet into the toe of their stocking.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hose
• hosiery
• sock