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

The Arne bent-toed gecko was found in the evening on rocky boulders and near the mouth of a small cave that sat along a stream, according to the study. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025

If a rocky Dart debut sends hordes of Giants fans scrambling for higher emotional ground, NBC could veer back into 2012 Ryder Cup territory. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025

Though the local conditions are actually somewhat less harsh by Antarctic standards, due to shelter by the rocky terrain, the environment is still brutal, with temperatures ranging from a summer high of +13 °C (55 °F) to a winter low of -40 °C (-40 °F). —New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025

After a rocky start, Joey stumbles on some talents and goes to great lengths to impress Leonard in his audition for a play. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for rocky

• blocky
• chalky
• cocky
• gawky
• hockey
• jockey
• khaki
• machi
• maki
• stocky
• talkie
• walkie

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