Stocking
'stɒkɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsA close-fitting covering for the foot and leg, typically made of thin fabric.
'stɒkɪŋ
She pulled up her stockings and adjusted her dress.
💡 Simply: Imagine wearing a long, comfy sock that covers your foot and part of your leg! It's often made of a thin, stretchy material.
👶 For kids: A sock that goes all the way up your leg!
More Examples
The ballerina wore flesh-colored stockings for her performance.
The antique stockings were delicate and hand-knitted.
How It's Used
"She wore a pair of silk stockings with her evening gown."
"He found a hole in his stocking after a long day."
A large sock or container, especially one hung up on Christmas Eve to receive gifts.
'stɒkɪŋ
The children eagerly awaited the moment they could check their stockings for gifts.
💡 Simply: You know that big sock you hang up at Christmas? The one Santa fills with presents? That's a stocking!
👶 For kids: A big sock that Santa puts presents in.
More Examples
She carefully decorated the stockings with glitter and ribbon.
He received an orange in his stocking.
How It's Used
"The children hung their stockings by the fireplace, hoping for presents."
To provide something with a supply of goods.
'stɒkɪŋ
The farmer is stocking his fish pond.
💡 Simply: Like when a store fills its shelves with items to sell, 'stocking' means putting things into something so that it can be used or sold.
👶 For kids: To fill up something with stuff, like putting toys in your toy box!
More Examples
They stocked the shelves with fresh produce.
The warehouse stocks a wide variety of supplies.
How It's Used
"The store stocked up on the latest video games."
"She went stocking at the shop for the best deals."
Idioms & expressions
stocking filler
A small, inexpensive gift given at Christmas, often placed in a stocking.
"The chocolate bar was a stocking filler."
stock up
To buy or collect a large supply of something.
"We stocked up on groceries before the storm."
From Middle English *stokking*, from Old English *stocc* ('stump, post') and the diminutive suffix -*ing*. Originally referring to close-fitting leg coverings.
Historically, stockings were primarily worn by men, made of woven materials like wool or silk, and served as a type of leg covering similar to trousers.
Memory tip
Think of a long tube worn on your legs.
Word Origin
"stump, post"