stocking

American  

[stok-ing] / ˈstɒk ɪŋ /

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.

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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.

stocking British  

/ 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. wearing stockings or socks but no shoes

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Other Word Forms

• half-stocking noun
• overstocking noun
• stockinged adjective
• stockingless adjective
• unstockinged adjective

Etymology

Origin of stocking

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

Example Sentences

Bravo, too, to the AS Boutique hotel in Ljubljana, Slovenia, for the best complimentary hotel breakfast I’ve had and for stocking the minifridges in its rooms with complimentary water, beer, juice and soda.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Dealers are stocking used EVs, anticipating higher demand, while upcoming lease returns may increase supply and lower prices.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

On another Easter-related thread, a different commenter said: “We also throw in any leftover birthday favors and stocking stuffers.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

At the Apollo Depot Military Outlet in downtown Oceanside on Friday, Sam Esparza, 32, was stocking a display case with pins and checking inventory.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

But still, a stocking, that’s all you’d need.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• hose
• hosiery
• sock