sock

sock — noun

1. A soft item that goes on your foot and partly up your leg, typically worn inside

1.nounA1
Definition

A soft item that goes on your foot and partly up your leg, typically worn inside a shoe.

Example

Tanvi wore a pair of warm wool socks to keep her feet cosy.

pair of + socks for two matching items

The washing machine ate one of Jabari's blue socks.

Common collocations
  • woollen socks
  • cotton socks
  • pair of socks
  • sock drawer
  • sports socks
Synonyms
  • ankle sock

    a short sock that reaches just above the ankle

  • knee sock

    a long sock that reaches up to the knee

  • stocking

    a long, thin sock that reaches the thigh, usually worn by women

Grammar Patterns

a pair of + socks

Usage Note

Often used in the plural form 'socks' when referring to the pair worn on both feet. A single item is 'a sock', but socks are typically bought and stored as 'a pair of socks'.

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a new sock.
I need to buy a new pair of socks.
Socks are usually bought as matching pairs for both feet.

2. A forceful hit delivered with the fist, especially to someone's face or body dur

2.nounB1
Definition

A forceful hit delivered with the fist, especially to someone's face or body during a fight.

Example

Tuan gave the robber a sock on the jaw that knocked him down.

give + someone + a sock + on + body part

Gabriel's opponent landed a heavy sock to his ribs during the fight.

Common collocations
  • a sock on the jaw
  • a sock to the stomach
  • give someone a sock
  • take a sock
Synonyms
  • punch

    the most common and general word for a hit with the fist

  • blow

    can describe any kind of forceful hit, not limited to the fist

  • thump

    a heavy, dull hit, often with a closed hand

Grammar Patterns

give + noun + a sock

take + a + sock + to + body part

Idioms

blow/knock somebody’s socks off

idiom

To greatly surprise or impress someone.

Maya's piano performance blew everyone's socks off at the concert.

Did the new movie knock your socks off?

pull your socks up

idiom

To make an effort to improve your performance or behavior.

After failing the exam, Brian decided to pull his socks up.

You need to pull your socks up if you want to keep your job.

put a sock in it

idiom

Used to tell someone rudely to stop talking or making noise.

The teacher told the noisy student to put a sock in it.

Can you put a sock in it? I'm trying to concentrate.

sock — verb

Word family

  • socks
    nounA1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words all describe leg and foot coverings but differ in length and use. A 'sock' is the most common everyday item, covering the foot and lower leg, worn inside shoes. An 'ankle sock' is a short sock that sits just above the ankle, popular with trainers and casual shoes. 'Stockings' are much longer, reaching the upper thigh, and are usually worn by women with formal wear or under dresses. 'Tights' cover the entire leg from foot to waist and are worn by both women and children, often for warmth or under skirts. For example: 'Tanvi put on her running socks before jogging,' versus 'Nina wore black stockings with her evening dress.'

sock ↗stocking ↗ankle socktights

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

The word 'sock' comes from Old English 'socc,' meaning a light shoe or slipper. The English borrowed it from the Latin 'soccus,' which was a loose-fitting slipper worn by comic actors in ancient Roman plays. Over time, the meaning shifted from a light indoor shoe to the soft foot covering we wear inside shoes today.