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

Jules Verne might have had people journeying to the center of the earth in the 1860s, but outside of science fiction, humans have barely explored the lithosphere, the rocky outer layer of the planet, much less its deeper regions. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 29 Nov. 2024

Both executives are stepping in at a rocky time for luxury and watches in particular. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 29 Nov. 2024

Wall Street experienced a rocky Wednesday morning as losses in Big Tech stocks countered broader market gains as a key inflation gauge ticked higher. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Round Hill Hotel and Villas Up a rocky promontory dense with tropical foliage in Montego Bay, Round Hill Hotel and Villas is a historic Jamaican property that exudes timeless character, elegance, and a strong national identity. —Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024

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

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