stocking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “stocking” mean?
A close-fitting, typically knitted covering for the foot and leg, made of nylon, silk, or wool.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A close-fitting, typically knitted covering for the foot and leg, made of nylon, silk, or wool.
A long sock or its equivalent; historically also refers to a man's close-fitting garment for the lower body and legs; figuratively, a Christmas stocking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term 'pantyhose' is more common in AmE for sheer, waist-to-toe garments; BrE also uses 'tights' for this, though 'tights' are often thicker.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'stockings' often implies a more formal, elegant, or historically evocative garment than casual socks. 'Christmas stocking' is identical.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in AmE due to 'stocking cap' (a knitted winter hat, BrE: 'bobble hat') and 'stocking stuffer' (a small Christmas gift).
Grammar
How to Use “stocking” in a Sentence
[verb] + stocking (e.g., wear, pull on, mend)[adjective] + stocking (e.g., sheer, laddered, Christmas)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stocking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was stocking the fireplace with wood for the evening.
- (Hunting) The estate is carefully stocked with pheasants.
American English
- He's stocking the shelves before the store opens.
- They're stocking the lake with trout for the season.
adverb
British English
- (Not a standard adverbial form for 'stocking')
American English
- (Not a standard adverbial form for 'stocking')
adjective
British English
- She wore a stocking mask during the robbery.
- He had a stocking-footed slipper.
American English
- The robber wore a stocking cap over his face.
- She prefers a stocking-foot finish on her hand-knit socks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
(Rare) In retail: 'hosiery department'.
Academic
(Historical contexts) E.g., 'The production of silk stockings in 18th-century Europe.'
Everyday
Discussions of clothing, fashion, or Christmas traditions.
Technical
(Knitting/Textiles) Refers to the structure or gauge of knitted fabric.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stocking”
- Using 'stockings' to refer to thick winter socks (those are 'knee-high socks').
- Confusing 'stockings' with 'tights'. Stockings require suspenders/a garter belt to stay up.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Stockings are individual coverings for each leg, typically held up by suspenders or elastic (hold-ups). Tights (BrE) or pantyhose (AmE) are a single garment covering both legs and the lower torso.
Historically, yes; men wore hose or stockings until trousers became standard. Today, the term almost exclusively refers to women's legwear, except in historical contexts or for specialised items like compression stockings.
The tradition originates from legends of St. Nicholas leaving gold coins in stockings hung to dry. It evolved into hanging a special large sock or sock-shaped bag to receive small gifts.
Yes, commonly meaning 'to supply or fill' (e.g., stocking a lake with fish, stocking a shop with goods). It is unrelated to the noun's clothing sense.
A close-fitting, typically knitted covering for the foot and leg, made of nylon, silk, or wool.
Stocking is usually neutral to informal in register.
Stocking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɒk.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑː.kɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In one's stocking(ed) feet”
- “A run in one's stocking”
- “Stocking filler (BrE) / Stocking stuffer (AmE)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Christmas STOCKING hung by the fire – it's a long sock waiting to be filled.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR GIFTS (e.g., 'The stocking was bulging with presents.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stocking' NOT typically used?