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

Towering cedars, rocky outcroppings and a private beach give the property a sense of retreat, while floor-to-ceiling windows pull the water into nearly every major space. —Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

Some days will include hikes ranging from three to five miles on rocky, uneven terrain with some steep inclines. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 June 2026

Likely candidates would be rocky planets (like our own Earth), which tend to be rich in iron, silicon, magnesium, etc. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026

Ramirez, never more engaging, invests an attractive and more carefree alternative, while Farthing may be less exciting but still someone who clearly loves Ivy, despite a rockier relationship that nevertheless is a viable path to take. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 June 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