rocker

noun rock·er \ ˈrä-kər \

|Updated on: 22 Jun 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

One playlist of 26 songs had four from jazz guitarist Pat Metheny; another had five from 1970s rockers Electric Light Orchestra.

— jefferson graham, USA TODAY, "Considering YouTube Music? Here's what to expect from this Spotify rival," 19 June 2018
Mötley Crüe rocker Tommy Lee and his 22-year-old son Brandon Lee didn’t set aside their tension for Father’s Day.

— stephanie petit, PEOPLE.com, "Tommy Lee and Son Feud on Father's Day as Brandon Posts Video of Rocker Seemingly Passed Out," 18 June 2018
Both men are friends with rocker Ted Nugent, whose upcoming campaign stop for Kobach in Lenexa coincides with Nugent’s plans to visit Mark.

— bryan lowry, kansascity, "How Kobach met Trump: Hunting buddy links Kansas Republican and president’s family," 17 June 2018
The duo was able to refine its stage skills as the opening act for noted rocker Rod Stewart in Australia and North America.

— bob kostanczuk, Post-Tribune, "Air Supply continues touring, recording," 14 June 2018
But being a cult concern — and the cult has grown over time, as the movie centers on six nights’ worth of 10th-anniversary gigs at a 600-capacity house — allows rockers to maintain auras of integrity and authenticity.

— glenn kenny, New York Times, "Review: ‘Straight Into a Storm,’ a Look at the Cult Band Deer Tick," 14 June 2018
On Saturday, June 16, Bric-a-Brac throws a fifth anniversary party that includes sets from five bands, among them garage rockers Glyders, bubblegum punks Slushy, and dream-pop squad Star Tropics.

— leor galil, Chicago Reader, "The day has come: Quenchers hosts its final concert," 12 June 2018
Watch out starlets, Saint Laurent’s glam rockers are coming for the spotlight.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "Body Glitter and Kaia Gerber Featured in YSL’s Menswear Show," 7 June 2018
Courtesy National Pavilion of Pakistan The rocker-benches perform a similar maneuver, obliging the sitter to negotiate with anyone beside them so that neither will slide sidelong into the dirt should their neighbor stand up.

— ian volner, Curbed, "Pakistan’s first-ever Venice Architecture Biennale pavilion is all about cities," 6 June 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