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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
The Puddy and Elaine had an infamously rocky relationship filled with breakups and reunions, sometimes occurring within a few minutes. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Kerry Rego, 47, always had a rocky relationship with her dad. Fortesa Latifi, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 Notably, both Thune and Cornyn have had rocky relationships with Trump but have worked hard to smooth them over. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024 Zoom in: Both Thune and Cornyn have had rocky relationships with former President Trump but have worked hard to smooth them over. Stef W. Kight, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near rocky

Cite this Entry

“Rocky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rocky. Accessed 14 Nov. 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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!