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

Researchers could directly study the chemistry of the moon’s deep interior, determine when the giant impact occurred, and better understand how rocky worlds evolved in the early solar system. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026

By now, Attenborough is on a boat, sailing near the rocky coastline of the Galapagos. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026

Meanwhile, Iran’s multi-layered strategy also means the US Navy has to guard against anti-ship missile launchers, which are hidden throughout hundreds of miles of rocky, mountainous terrain on the country’s southern coast. —Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

In a bathroom stall, between bumps of cocaine, Michael tells Sherri about his rocky childhood. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 8 May 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