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

There are plenty of waterproof picks with ample ankle support for rockier climbs as well, like the Keen Women's Steens Mid-height Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots, which are over $50 off. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

Additionally, there’s now evidence that the moons around other rocky worlds, like Mars and Pluto, likely formed from giant impacts as well. —Big Think, 26 Nov. 2025

Still, the formula that Tomlin and the Steelers have long relied on during their successful, if not always spectacular (not for the past decade-plus anyway), partnership appears to have hit a rocky patch that may be difficult to escape. —CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

While investors’ initial reaction to Demna at Gucci was rocky, his teaser campaign increased searches for his name by 87 percent. —Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025

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