rocky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

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
2
: physically upset or mentally confused (as from drinking excessively)
3
: marked by obstacles or problems : difficult, rough
a financially rocky yearMichael Murray

Examples of rocky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The decision by Sommer to dismiss the case came four days into Baldwin’s trial and at the end of a rocky evidentiary hearing over a defense motion to dismiss the case. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024 Its Arizona site got off to a rocky start, as the company couldn’t find enough skilled staff to install advanced equipment and workers struggled with safety and management issues. Alena Botros, Fortune Asia, 25 Oct. 2024 The path to equity in healthcare is a rocky one, as these three independent studies demonstrate. New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024 But after a rocky first term, his reelection bid is on life support. Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rocky 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rocky.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rocky was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rocky

Cite this Entry

“Rocky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rocky. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rocky

1 of 2 adjective
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

More from Merriam-Webster on rocky

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