rocky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈrä-kē How to pronounce rocky (audio)
rockier; rockiest
Synonyms of rockynext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean on Bornholm's northernmost tip, the hip Nordlandet hotel has sea views at (almost) every turn. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 Both second-year defensive tackles had uneven rookie campaigns, showing encouraging signs later in the year after a rocky start. — Tyler M. Carmona july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 My chest was smashed into the ground and against my knees, and my face was ground hard into the rocky dirt of the trail. — Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026 Livermore residents have had a rocky relationship with the sidewalks around town for years, and now city leaders are hoping a new project will smooth things over. — Katie Nielsen, CBS News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rocky

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

Phrases Containing rocky

Rhymes for rocky

See All Rhymes for rocky

Browse Nearby Words

rock wren
rocky
Rocky Ford
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rocky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rocky. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rocky

1 of 2 adjective
ˈräk-ē How to pronounce rocky (audio)
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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rocky

Nglish: Translation of rocky for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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