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
One day, the researchers note, these same type of advancements could possibly even aid in space exploration robots traversing harsh, rocky surfaces of the moon and other planets. Popular Science, 14 Mar. 2024 The path immediately ahead may appear rocky, but Deutsche Bank expects that the airline will see strong business in the second and third quarters, even if the first quarter’s performance is dented by factors like the strikes. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 12 Mar. 2024 All three are the first generation in their family to graduate from college, and now all three are pursuing doctorates in STEM fields Facebook The path forward for many of us is often circuitous and rocky. Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 In their response to The Times, Hacienda’s leaders acknowledged the complaints but described them as part of a rocky start to creating a safe space during the group’s earliest days. Sarah Maslin Nir, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024 Lara, the state’s insurance commissioner, has had a rocky relationship with Consumer Watchdog from the start. Sam Dean, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 That put New York Community Bancorp at a new level that requires higher regulatory scrutiny, a transition that has been rocky. Michelle Chapman, Quartz, 1 Mar. 2024 Situated on a high point of land between the 9-hole Killiney Golf Club and the long crescent of rocky shoreline that is Killiney Bay Beach, a 2.8-acre estate known as Kenah Hill has come to market for just about $13 million. Mark David, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2024 Nick, 31, was also seen having a beer on the boat in a different clip while getting wet as the waves got a little rocky during the trip. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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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