body stocking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Semi-formal to formal, primarily in fashion, retail, and costume contexts.
Quick answer
What does “body stocking” mean?
A close-fitting, one-piece undergarment, often made of sheer or opaque fabric, covering the torso and legs, and sometimes the arms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A close-fitting, one-piece undergarment, often made of sheer or opaque fabric, covering the torso and legs, and sometimes the arms.
Can refer to similar garments used in dance, theater, performance costumes, or fashion as a layering piece. In certain contexts (e.g., leotard with tights), the terms may blur.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties. No significant lexical difference, though 'body stocking' might be slightly more common in UK fashion writing. In the US, 'bodystocking' is sometimes written as one word.
Connotations
Primarily associated with lingerie, dancewear, or fashion. Can have a slight 'retro' connotation (1970s fashion).
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation. Higher frequency in niche domains like fashion journalism, dance, theater costuming, and lingerie retail.
Grammar
How to Use “body stocking” in a Sentence
[wear/put on/take off] + a body stocking[body stocking] + made of + [material][body stocking] + under + [garment]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “body stocking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She body-stockings herself before the costume fitting. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- The dancer body-stockings for rehearsal. (rare, non-standard)
adverb
British English
- She dressed body-stockingly for the performance. (extremely rare/non-standard)
American English
- The outfit was designed body-stockingly close. (extremely rare/non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The body-stocking look was popular in the disco era. (attributive use)
American English
- She preferred a body-stocking style for under her sheer dress. (attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail, lingerie manufacturing, and e-commerce product descriptions.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in fashion history, cultural studies, or theater costume design texts.
Everyday
Low usage. Most common when discussing specific clothing items for events, costumes, or underwear.
Technical
Used in pattern-making, textile, and costume design fields. Specified by material, denier, and cut.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “body stocking”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “body stocking”
- Confusing it with a 'leotard' (no legs) or 'unitard' (often athletic, not sheer).
- Spelling as one word ('bodystocking') or two ('body stocking') – both accepted, but two words is standard.
- Using it to refer to shapewear (like Spanx) – body stockings are generally not compressive.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A bodysuit (or leotard) typically ends at the crotch or high-thigh, without full leg coverings. A body stocking includes integrated, full-length leg coverings, like tights.
Yes. While historically marketed towards women, body stockings are used by male dancers, performers, and in some fashion contexts, particularly in costume or as base layers.
Not usually. Shapewear is designed to compress and sculpt the body. Body stockings are primarily for coverage, modesty, or as a costume layer, though some may have light shaping properties.
Carefully, to avoid snags. Typically, one gathers the material, steps into the legs, pulls it up over the torso, and then inserts the arms if it has sleeves. It requires delicate handling, especially if made of sheer materials like nylon or lace.
A close-fitting, one-piece undergarment, often made of sheer or opaque fabric, covering the torso and legs, and sometimes the arms.
Body stocking is usually semi-formal to formal, primarily in fashion, retail, and costume contexts. in register.
Body stocking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdi ˌstɒkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdi ˌstɑːkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Occasionally used metaphorically: 'She was so thin, she looked like she was wearing a body stocking.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BODY + STOCKING. A 'stocking' for your entire body.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SECOND SKIN / A UNIFIED SHEATH (concepts of coverage, unity, and a base layer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is a 'body stocking' LEAST likely to be used?