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

The Coast Guard released video footage earlier this week showing rescue swimmers saving people from the choppy water and hoisting them into helicopters hovering above. — David Goodhue october 2, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Bloys is a near 25-year veteran of HBO who has steered TV’s most prestigious brand through choppy waters and three massive corporate takeovers in eight years. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

The New Shag So, the new shag is all about using softer layers to create a less choppy, more feminine cut that still maintains the shape and feel of a classic shag. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026

The business end of her mullet starts with piecey, asymmetrical bangs that skim her forehead and a choppy, cropped shape around the crown and sides. — Marci Robin, Allure, 25 Sep. 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