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

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

Etymology

Origin of stocking

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

Example Sentences

One of the most common rites of passage for young Americans is spending the long summer hours working as a camp counselor, lifeguarding at the local pool, stocking shelves or serving up dinners to regulars.

From Barron's • May 25, 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

That included designing and stocking the nursery at the training facility Angel City inherited from the NFL’s Rams in the fall of 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Kohli, who's been excitedly sharing positive reviews of Saros in the run-up to its release, says the experience feels a long way away from his job as a teenager stocking shelves at Gamestation.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

I came in late, repeatedly and with the flimsiest of excuses; made shockingly incorrect change; even misshelved things on purpose, stocking lotions among laxatives and birth control with baby shampoo.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

• hose
• hosiery
• sock