stockings
- 01 B1 Intermediate
thin, stretchy clothing that covers your legs and feet, usually worn under a skirt or dress.
a pair of tight-fitting, elasticated garments covering the foot and leg, often held up by garters or a suspender belt.
Simple“She wore black stockings with her dress for the formal dinner party.”
In context“The historical costume required silk stockings and authentic footwear to maintain the period's aesthetic accuracy.”
UsageUsually plural; the singular 'stocking' refers to one leg's garment.
Synonymshosierynylons - 02 B1 Intermediate
a large, decorative sock that people hang up at Christmas to be filled with small gifts.
an oversized, decorative sock-shaped bag hung on Christmas Eve for the receipt of small gifts.
Simple“The children woke up early to see what was inside their Christmas stockings.”
In context“By tradition, the family hung their embroidered stockings from the mantelpiece, each one filled with fruit, sweets, and small trinkets.”
UsageOften used in the singular when referring to one person's gift bag.
Synonymschristmas sock - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a single piece of clothing that covers the legs and the bottom.
a one-piece garment covering the legs and hips; synonymous with pantyhose in certain regional dialects.
Simple“I need to buy a new pair of stockings because these have a hole in them.”
In context“In Australian and New Zealand English, the term stockings is frequently used to describe what Americans call pantyhose.”
UsageIn this sense, it is a plural-only noun.