rocky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈrä-kē 

rockier; rockiest

1

: abounding in or consisting of rocks

2

: difficult to impress or affect : insensitive

3

: firmly held : steadfast

rocky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

rockier; rockiest

1

: unstable, wobbly

2

: physically upset or mentally confused (as from drinking excessively)

3

: marked by obstacles or problems : difficult, rough

… a financially rocky year …

—Michael Murray

Examples of rocky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The rocky planet's exceptional brightness is a side effect of its dense atmosphere, which veils the planet's surface beneath dense sulphuric acid clouds that reflect 70% of incoming sunlight back out into space, according to MIT. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026

From the front, the low-slung forms blend into the rocky surroundings, while glass walls pull the desert into view from the living spaces. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

Dust and rocky soil were hurled away at a higher angle than expected, according to Mark Robinson, chief scientist for the LRO’s cameras who works at Intuitive Machines. — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

This year's Dreamforce lands at a pivotal moment for Salesforce, which has been through a rocky year due to concerns about artificial intelligence hurting its business. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English rokky, from rokke rock

Adjective (2)

rock entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rocky

• rocky road

Rhymes for rocky

• blocky
• chalky
• cocky
• gawky
• hockey
• jockey
• khaki
• machi
• maki
• stocky
• talkie
• walkie

Kids Definition

rocky

1 of 2 adjective

ˈräk-ē 

rockier; rockiest

: full of or consisting of rocks

rockiness noun

rocky

2 of 2 adjective

rockier; rockiest

1

: weak and confused and unsteady on one's feet

2

: marked by obstacles or problems : difficult

a rocky start

rockiness

-ē-nəs

noun