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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Investors recognize the choppy waters ahead for MLB but are increasingly betting on the long-term economic prospects of the sport, as witnessed by a series of control and LP transactions during the past 12 months. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026 Saraf’s rookie season has been choppy, even by the standards of a rebuilding team that’s been cycling through young players all year. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026 Seas were slightly choppy downrange, but the skies were clear for the booster recovery. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026 Energy prices remain in sharp focus following a choppy week for global markets. Joseph Wilkins,hugh Leask, CNBC, 13 Mar. 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 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on choppy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster