roc

1 of 2

noun

: a legendary bird of great size and strength believed to inhabit the Indian Ocean area

ROC

2 of 2

abbreviation

Republic of China (Taiwan)

Word History

Etymology

Noun

ultimately from Arabic rukhkh

First Known Use

Noun

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of roc was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near roc

Cite this Entry

“Roc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roc. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

roc

noun
: a bird of fable so big it was supposed to be able to carry off an elephant

More from Merriam-Webster on roc

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!