WordGarden.iorock
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɒk/
US
- /ˈrɑk/
Meanings
Noun
stone or hard natural mineral material
a genre of popular music centered on amplified instruments and a strong beat
Verb
to move gently back and forth or cause something to do so
to shock, upset, or destabilize strongly
(slang)to be excellent or make a strong positive impression
Beyond the definition
A rock can be a hard piece of stone, like one you pick up on a path or skip across water. It is also a style of music with electric guitars and a strong beat. If a boat rocks, or if you rock a baby, there is a gentle back-and-forth movement.
You might walk along a rocky beach, go to a rock concert, or rock a child to sleep. The same word can talk about something from the ground, a kind of music, or a simple motion.
The word "rock" has several common meanings in English. First, it can mean a piece of stone or a large mass of stone in nature. You may see rocks on a beach, in the mountains, or in a garden. For example: "The hikers walked over the rocks."
"Rock" is also the name of a popular style of music. Rock music is often loud and energetic, with guitars, drums, and a strong beat. People may talk about classic rock, soft rock, or rock bands. For example: "She listens to rock on the way to work."
As a verb, "rock" often means to move gently back and forth. A chair can rock, a boat can rock on the water, and a parent can rock a baby to sleep. In some cases, it can also mean to shake something strongly: "The explosion rocked the building."
The word also has a few common figurative uses. If someone says, "You rock," they mean you did very well or you are impressive. If a person is called "a rock," it means they are strong, calm, and dependable, especially in a difficult time.
So this word can point to stone, music, movement, strong shaking, or even a reliable person. It is a simple word, but it appears in many everyday situations.
Examples
- 1
Beach
The beach was covered with smooth gray rocks.
- 2
Stone material
The tunnel was cut through solid rock.
- 3
Music genre
My parents still listen to classic rock on road trips.
- 4
Boat movement
The boat rocked gently in the waves.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unsteady furniture
She stood up too fast, and the chair rocked under her.
- 6
Explosion impact
The explosion rocked the whole neighborhood.
- 7
Political scandal
The scandal rocked the government for weeks.
- 8
Compliment
That red jacket really rocks on you.
- 9
Relationship trouble
Their marriage has been on the rocks for months.
- Phraseon the rocks
in serious trouble
- 10
Conflict avoidance
Don't rock the boat just before the presentation.
- Phraserock the boat
cause trouble in a situation that is calm
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rocknounverb
Forms
- rockspluralnounverb
- rocking-ing formverbnoun
- rockedpast tenseverbnoun