sock
13 synonyms for sock, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A knitted covering for the foot and lower leg, worn inside a shoe.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A knitted covering for the foot and lower leg, worn inside a shoe.
“He pulled on a fresh pair of socks before his run.”
How to use sock
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pair of socks
sock someone in the jaw
Etymology
The clothing sense comes from Old English socc, from Latin soccus (a type of light shoe); the "hit" sense is a separate, unrelated word imitating the sound of a punch.
Full origin of sock →Frequently asked questions
What does “sock” mean?
The word “sock” means a knitted covering for the foot and lower leg, worn inside a shoe. In plain terms, a piece of clothing for the foot, or, informally, to punch someone.
How do you pronounce “sock”?
“Sock” is pronounced sok (/sɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “sock” in a sentence?
Here is “sock” used in a sentence: “He pulled on a fresh pair of socks before his run.”
What part of speech is “sock”?
Depending on how it is used, “sock” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sock” come from?
The word “sock” comes from Latin. The clothing sense comes from Old English socc, from Latin soccus (a type of light shoe); the "hit" sense is a separate, unrelated word imitating the sound of a punch.
Is “sock” a common word?
“Sock” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “sock” have?
“Sock” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a knitted covering for the foot and lower leg, worn inside a shoe.
What is the difference between the noun "sock" and the verb "sock"?
As a noun, a sock is a knitted covering for the foot and lower leg worn inside a shoe. As a verb, "to sock" someone means to hit them hard, an informal usage unrelated to the clothing item.
Is "sock" as a verb formal or informal?
The verb "sock," meaning to hit someone hard, is informal and common in casual speech rather than formal writing.
