rocky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈrä-kē 

rockier; rockiest

1

: abounding in or consisting of rocks

2

: difficult to impress or affect : insensitive

3

: firmly held : steadfast

rocky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

rockier; rockiest

1

: unstable, wobbly

2

: physically upset or mentally confused (as from drinking excessively)

3

: marked by obstacles or problems : difficult, rough

… a financially rocky year …

—Michael Murray

Examples of rocky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While this phoenix planet is a gas planet, others could be rocky or even hold life. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026

The announcement is a big step in Jaguar’s relaunch, which got off to a decidedly rocky start in 2024. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Outside, Casa Marina’s 1,100 feet of private beach, lined with loungers and framed by two piers, is the most coveted slice of sand on the island—a true beach scene in a town where rocky shores are the norm. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

The path to closing the merger was often a rocky one and at times seemed likely to derail. — Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English rokky, from rokke rock

Adjective (2)

rock entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rocky

• rocky road

Rhymes for rocky

• blocky
• chalky
• cocky
• gawky
• hockey
• jockey
• khaki
• machi
• maki
• stocky
• talkie
• walkie

Kids Definition

rocky

1 of 2 adjective

ˈräk-ē 

rockier; rockiest

: full of or consisting of rocks

rockiness noun

rocky

2 of 2 adjective

rockier; rockiest

1

: weak and confused and unsteady on one's feet

2

: marked by obstacles or problems : difficult

a rocky start

rockiness

-ē-nəs

noun