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

I’ve been primarily stocking up on — and eating — whole heads of garlic, which remain a kitchen essential year-round.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

That will include building new infrastructure like pipelines away from the Strait of Hormuz and stocking up on oil to put in storage.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 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

About 1,800 pubs across Britain ceased stocking Brewdog draught beers.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

As the war raged and the staff dwindled, I moved from stocking supplies to assisting him in surgery.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

Related Words

• hose
• hosiery
• sock