choppy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

chop·​py ˈchä-pē How to pronounce choppy (audio)
choppier; choppiest
Synonyms of choppynext
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 adverb

choppy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

choppier; choppiest
: changeable, variable
a choppy wind

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
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Adjective
Be aware, also, that the waves off Northern California can get choppy. Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026 In a video posted by TikTok user @livingmyloylife, which was later stitched by the official Carnival Cruise account, an orange rescue boat is seen bobbing through choppy waters to meet the sailboat. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 The ride was a short one, but Brian said Lynette fell overboard in the choppy waters. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 Whether investors are fending off choppy markets or grappling with fears of stagflation, stocks that offer attractive but sustainable yields can help protect their portfolios, Bank of America found. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for choppy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of choppy was circa 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Choppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choppy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

choppy

1 of 2 adjective
chop·​py ˈchäp-ē How to pronounce choppy (audio)
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

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