adjective
choppy
CHO-pee
adjective
1
Full of small, rough waves.
"The ferry crossing was rough because the sea was choppy."
2
Uneven or disjointed, moving in short bursts rather than smoothly.
"The film had a choppy editing style that some viewers found jarring."
How to Use Choppy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRough and broken up — used for water, but also for anything (like editing, or a market) that moves in jerky, uneven bursts.
Common pairings
choppy water
choppy seas
choppy editing
choppy trading
Word Forms
choppier comparative, choppiest superlative
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The ferry crossing was rough because the sea was _____.
Etymology
From chop plus the adjective-forming suffix -y.