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

Some officers are taking on second jobs or relying on donations, union officials say, while several major airports are collecting gift cards and stocking food pantries for TSA staff struggling without pay.

From Barron's

Some officers are taking on second jobs or relying on donations, union officials say, and several major airports are collecting gift cards and stocking food pantries for TSA staff struggling without pay.

From Barron's

“Once you get this intense level of demand for these goods in a given geographic region, it makes sense to essentially establish a stocking location nearby to economize on transportation costs,” Miller said.

From The Wall Street Journal

On me—until Betsie caught up with them—hems sagged, stockings tore, and collars twisted.

From Literature

Then black stockings, rolled over garters, down to her high-topped, year-round Sunday-and-funeral shoes.

From Literature

Related Words

• hose
• hosiery
• sock