noun Uncommon

stocking

STO-kihng

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Stocking (noun) means a close-fitting garment covering the foot and leg, usually made of thin, stretchy fabric. Example: “She pulled on a pair of silk stockings before the party.”

noun

A close-fitting garment covering the foot and leg, usually made of thin, stretchy fabric.

"She pulled on a pair of silk stockings before the party."

A sock-shaped bag hung up at Christmas to be filled with small gifts.

"The kids raced downstairs to check their stockings on Christmas morning."

How to use stocking

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA thin, form-fitting leg covering, or the Christmas gift-bag shaped like one.

Common pairings

a pair of stockings a Christmas stocking stocking stuffer

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

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Can you complete this real example?

She pulled on a pair of silk _____ before the party.

Etymology

From "stock" plus the suffix "-ing" — originally referred to hose or leg coverings.

Rhymes for stocking

mocking rocking docking cocking Locking shocking knocking blocking clocking flocking interlocking

See all rhymes for stocking →

Frequently asked questions

What does “stocking” mean?

The word “stocking” means a close-fitting garment covering the foot and leg, usually made of thin, stretchy fabric. In plain terms, a thin, form-fitting leg covering, or the Christmas gift-bag shaped like one.

How do you pronounce “stocking”?

“Stocking” is pronounced STO-kihng (/ˈstɑkɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “stocking” in a sentence?

Here is “stocking” used in a sentence: “She pulled on a pair of silk stockings before the party.”

What part of speech is “stocking”?

“Stocking” is a noun.

Is “stocking” a common word?

“Stocking” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “stocking” have?

“Stocking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a close-fitting garment covering the foot and leg, usually made of thin, stretchy fabric.