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 boat is believed to be submerged on the rocky seabed in water 120 feet (36 meters) deep. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

Republicans are leaning into immigration enforcement as one of their top campaign issues this midterm cycle - despite a rocky start to the year for messaging on the president's top policy. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 17 July 2026

In Galicia, Spain’s northwesternmost region, where totality will first reach the country, the rocky outcropping of Cape Ortegal offers what’s expected to be one of the longest windows of totality. — Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2026

Gu-cheon meets the massive, faceless spirit-figure on the rocky shores of an eerie island. — Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 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