stocking

[stok-ing]

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.

stocking

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stocking¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stocking¹

C16: from dialect stock stocking + _-ing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

The two women met when Scott stopped by Dym after stocking her plant stand’s shelves and struck up a conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

But she added it was a challenge balancing stocking the shelves with the high cost items and making sure nothing goes to waste.

From BBC

Wearing custom-made, medical-grade compression stockings can help manage the condition, and experts also recommend patients elevating their legs at night and using lotion.

From BBC

They looted the place for everything it was worth, stocking up well in advance for the lean months of the off-season.

From Salon

Besides stocking long-lasting camera batteries, the filmmakers sought ways to enhance the intimacy of each shoot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hose 
• hosiery 
• sock