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

Derived Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of stocking

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

Example Sentences

Although, Europe’s gas stocking demand will likely be a key support for both LNG and coal prices in the coming months, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

After having stocking issues in some regions earlier this year, Steam Deck is back on sale, with a big change in the form of 40%-plus price bump.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

James Daunt, the chief executive credited with breathing new life into the retailer, is clarifying the store’s stance on stocking its shelves with AI-written books.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

In anticipation of Sunday, I’ve been stocking up on all the ingredients I’ll need to make a dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy my mom’s sweet tooth.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

After all, Ashton Place was her home now, and as Agatha Swanburne often said, “A well-organized stocking drawer is the first step toward a well-organized mind.”

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• hose
• hosiery
• sock