rocker

noun rock·er \ ˈrä-kər \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Definition of rocker

1 a : either of two curving pieces of wood or metal on which an object (such as a cradle) rocks

b : any of various objects (such as a rocking chair or an infant's toy having a seat placed between side pieces) that rock on rockers

c : any of various objects in the form of a rocker or with parts resembling a rocker (such as a skate with a curved blade)

d (1) : any of the curved stripes at the lower part of a chevron worn by a noncommissioned officer above the rank of sergeant

(2) : the curved stripe at the upper part of a chevron worn by a chief petty officer

2 : any of various devices that work with a rocking motion

3 : a rock performer, song, or enthusiast

— off one's rocker

: in a state marked by extreme confusion or mental unsoundness

… he felt dizzy, slightly off his rocker at this extraordinary assailment of his senses.
—Bernard Malamud

See rocker defined for English-language learners

See rocker defined for kids

Recent Examples of rocker from the Web

Young Americans watched the Red Wave music videos and thought ‘hey, these guys look like rockers here’.

— andrew dansby, Houston Chronicle, "Ludovico: The piano’s quiet rock star talks about his first Houston concert," 11 July 2018
In the years since, acts ranging from country stars like Lee Brice and Toby Keith to pop rockers the Wallflowers and New Wave icons The B-52s have all performed at Ribfest.

— dan hyman, chicagotribune.com, "Pitbull is at Naperville Ribfest in a bold move that also makes a lot of sense," 28 June 2018
This year's concert series includes Stone Sour, the Goo Goo Dolls, country rocker Luke Combs, indie singer/songwriter Bishop Briggs with Lovelytheband, Midland, Three Dog Night and comedian Jim Gaffigan.

— yoshina okamoto, Anchorage Daily News, "Here’s your Alaska summer 2018 festival guide," 17 May 2018
The biggest stars of the ’40s and ’50s bequeathed their sound to rockers: Hank Williams begat Bob Dylan; Roy Acuff signed Roy Orbison; Jerry Lee Lewis inspired Elton John.

— jack dickey, SI.com, "How Charley Pride Went From Negro League Ballplayer to Country Music's Jackie Robinson," 21 Mar. 2018
Jessie's Girl: 1980s rocker Rick Springfield will perform at 9 p.m. EST Feb. 23 at the Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino and Resort in New Buffalo, Mich.

— Post-Tribune, "Five things to do in Northwest Indiana Feb. 23-25," 20 Feb. 2018
After performing at West Fest earlier in the day, Australian punk rockers Royal Headache will make a trip to The Empty Bottle for a second show.

— efrain dorado, RedEye Chicago, "5 must-see concerts this week: Ruido Fest, Royal Headache, Post Animal," 5 July 2017
Has any classic rocker aged better than Neil Young?

— terence cawley, BostonGlobe.com, "At the Wang, a free-wheeling journey through Neil Young’s past," 12 July 2018
Veteran Japanese rockers the pillows are set to drop their 22nd studio album, REBROADCAST, on Sept. 19.

— billboard japan, Billboard, "Japanese Rockers the pillows Kick Off U.S. Tour in Lead-up to New Album," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rocker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rocker

1760

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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ROCKER Defined for English Language Learners

rocker

noun

Definition of rocker for English Language Learners

: a curved piece of wood or metal on which an object (such as a cradle or chair) moves back and forth or from side to side
: someone who plays or performs rock music
: someone who enjoys listening to rock music