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

Despite their rocky past, Kim and Alec have developed a healthier dynamic through the years. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025

Discovered by the University of Hawaii, NASA scientists believe this rocky tag-along has been orbiting near Earth for about 60 years and will likely continue until around 2083. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Ruh's resignation marked the latest development in a rocky year for the key swing state's Republican Party. —Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Most hikers head to McAfee Knob, a rocky outcropping that's a favorite photography stop along the Appalachian Trail, so it's often crowded. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 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