rocky
RO-kee
Rocky (adj) means Covered with or made up of rocks. Example: “We climbed carefully over the rocky beach to reach the cave.”
adj
1
Covered with or made up of rocks.
"We climbed carefully over the rocky beach to reach the cave."
"The farmer struggled to grow crops on the rocky hillside."
"The trail became steep and rocky near the summit."
2
Full of difficulties or instability; troubled.
"After a rocky first term, the new team began to work well together."
"Their marriage went through a rocky patch last year."
"The company had a rocky start before turning a profit."
3
Unsteady or shaky, especially after illness or shock.
"My legs felt rocky when I first got out of bed after the fever."
"The nurse said she might feel a little rocky for a day or two."
"He still felt a bit rocky after the flu."
How to use rocky
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCovered in rocks, or (figuratively) unstable, troubled, or shaky.
Common pairings
rocky road
rocky relationship
a rocky start
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Word forms
- Comparative
- rockier, more rocky
- Superlative
- rockiest, most rocky
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We climbed carefully over the _____ beach to reach the cave.
Etymology
From Middle English rokki, built on "rock" plus the adjective suffix "-y."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for rocky
See all rhymes for rocky →Frequently asked questions
What does “rocky” mean?
The word “rocky” means covered with or made up of rocks. In plain terms, covered in rocks, or (figuratively) unstable, troubled, or shaky.
How do you pronounce “rocky”?
“Rocky” is pronounced RO-kee (/ˈɹɑki/ in IPA).
How do you use “rocky” in a sentence?
Here is “rocky” used in a sentence: “The trail became steep and rocky near the summit.”
What part of speech is “rocky”?
“Rocky” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rocky” come from?
The word “rocky” comes from Middle English. From Middle English rokki, built on "rock" plus the adjective suffix "-y.".
Is “rocky” a common word?
“Rocky” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “rocky” have?
“Rocky” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: covered with or made up of rocks.
What is the difference between "rocky" and "stony"?
"Rocky" suggests ground covered with or made up of large rocks and boulders. "Stony" usually suggests smaller stones or pebbles, and can also describe a cold, unsympathetic manner.
Can "rocky" describe both places and situations?
Yes. Literally, "rocky" describes terrain covered with rocks, such as a rocky coastline. Figuratively, it describes a period, business, or relationship that is troubled and unstable, such as a rocky start.
What is the difference between "rocky" and "rough"?
Both can describe difficult periods, but "rough" stresses hardship and discomfort, while "rocky" stresses instability and the risk of things going wrong. A rocky patch suggests ups and downs rather than steady hardship.
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