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

Amid a rocky luxury climate and changing consumer tastes, the fashion world is getting grounded. —Jennie Bell, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

The state of the ceasefire has always been on rocky footing, especially after one was already in place from January to March before the truce was broken. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Nov. 2025

Although no such planet exists in our solar system, scientists suspect these worlds possess rocky interiors enveloped by thick, hydrogen-rich atmospheres. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2025

As the Arizona Trail moves down the Mogollon Rim, rockier stretches raise temperatures, reflecting the urban heat effects of cities like Phoenix and Tucson. —Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 10 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