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

Winds from the southwest will be about 10 to 15 mph with gusts of 20 mph, so the water may be choppy. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026

The short, curly cut she’s been rocking lately was replaced with long, straight locks and choppy baby bangs. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026

However, many remain downbeat about the bitcoin price’s prospects this year following its choppy, downward trend through 2026 so far. — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Over the past month, however, the benchmark 10-year gilt yield has risen by around 19 basis points, while the longer-term 30-year gilt yield has added around 21 basis points, with both seeing choppy trade in the interim. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 July 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