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

Brink’s is also known for securely transporting cash, as well as stocking it into ATMs through their ubiquitous Brink’s trucks.

From The Wall Street Journal

The women poured over each seam, inspecting the sister’s dresses, petticoats, and stockings.

From Literature

Martha talked without breathing, ten words for every stitch in the stocking, and she stitched fast, but I didn’t mind, because it saved me from having to explain myself.

From Literature

Last year, speculation around potential tariffs on the metal sent buyers stocking up on silver in the U.S., taking inventory out of London, where global benchmark prices are set.

From The Wall Street Journal

That’s why she hasn’t bothered stocking up on supplies, and maintains — an admittedly slim — hope that negotiations will bring about a deal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hose
• hosiery
• sock