choppy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

chop·​py ˈchä-pē 

choppier; choppiest

1

: being roughened : chapped

2

: rough with small waves

3

a

: interrupted by ups and downs

choppy terrain

a choppy career

b

: jerky

short choppy strides

c

: disconnected

choppy writing

choppily

ˈchä-pə-lē 

adverb

choppy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

choppier; choppiest

: changeable, variable

a choppy wind

Synonyms of choppy

Adjective (1)

• sporadic
• occasional
• intermittent
• sudden
• erratic

Examples of choppy in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

a sharp, choppy wind coming off the lake

the old cable car provides a picturesque but choppy ride to the mountain's peak

the plot was intriguing, but the author's style was so choppy that I finally gave up in frustration

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are no resorts and no direct flights, but the island’s admirers say the choppy two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from Tenerife is worth it. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

His pass protection was choppy at times, though, against athletic inside rushers. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Future iterations will feature advanced wings capable of twisting and steering, allowing the drone to navigate gusty winds and choppy coastal waves. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

Bleach thickens her fine hair, while choppy layers add definition and movement. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

chop entry 2

Adjective (2)

chop entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1865, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for choppy

• copy
• floppy
• poppy
• sloppy
• atopy
• photocopy

Kids Definition

choppy

1 of 2 adjective

chop·​py ˈchäp-ē 

choppier; choppiest

: changeable sense 1, variable

choppy wind

choppy

2 of 2 adjective

choppier; choppiest

1

: rough with small waves

the lake was choppy

2

: marked by sudden stops and starts : not connected smoothly

short choppy sentences

choppiness noun