rock

noun

UK/rɒk/
US/rɑːk/

Definitions of rock noun

geology

  1. B1CountableUncountable

    The solid, non-soil material of the Earth's crust, or a large, prominent piece of this material that rises from the ground or sea.

    • The mountains and cliffs are composed of solid rock formations.

    • The ship hit a submerged rock outside of the bay, leading to its sinking.

    • The area is known for its dramatic rocky coastline.

stone

  1. Countable

    A detached piece of rock or stone.

    • The protesters were throwing rocks at the police officers.

    • The children were stacking rocks on the beach.

    • The workers were removing large rocks from the road.

jewelry

  1. Countable

    A valuable stone, particularly a diamond, used in jewelry.

    • Did you see how big the rock was that he gave her for their wedding anniversary?

    • The rock on her hand sparkled under the light.

    • The diamond on that ring is absolutely huge, a real rock.

music

  1. A2Uncountable

    A genre of popular music characterized by a loud, strong beat, typically played with electric guitars and drums.

    • a rock band

    • a rock star

    • They were listening to some classic rock music.

Phrases of rock noun

  • rocks

    A line of large stones that protrude from the sea.

    The violent storm pushed the vessel onto the rocks.

verb

UK/rɒk/
US/rɑːk/

Definitions of rock verb

movement

  1. C2TransitiveIntransitive

    To move or cause something to move gently back and forth or from side to side in a rhythmic manner.

    • He gently rocked the baby in his arms until she fell asleep.

    • The chair might break if you rock back on it like that.

    • The waves gently rocked the small boat.

  2. Transitive

    To cause something to shake violently due to a powerful force like an explosion.

    • The explosion rocked the entire city, resulting in 300 casualties.

    • The earthquake rocked the entire region severely.

    • The impact rocked the whole building.

emotion

  1. Transitive

    To cause a group or society to experience shock or strong feelings of disturbance.

    • The CEO's sudden resignation rocked the entire company.

    • The entire political establishment was rocked by the scandal.

    • The news rocked the entire community.

fashion

  1. Transitiveslang

    To wear a particular style of clothing, accessories, etc. and look attractive or stylish.

    • Some celebrities over 40 can still rock a tattoo.

    • She really rocks that leather jacket.

    • He can definitely rock a suit.

Idioms

  • on the rocks

    Describes a relationship, plan, or endeavor that is likely to fail or end soon.

    Ever since they started arguing frequently, their relationship has been on the rocks.

  • get your rocks off

    To experience an orgasm; also, to derive intense pleasure or excitement from something.

    He likes to get his rocks off by doing extreme sports.

  • rock the boat

    To do or say something that disturbs a stable situation and causes trouble or problems.

    She didn't want to rock the boat before the project was finished, so she kept quiet.

  • be (as) solid as a rock

    To be extremely strong, reliable, or unyielding.

    Their friendship is as solid as a rock, having withstood the test of time.

  • be (caught) between a rock and a hard place

    To be in a predicament where one faces two undesirable options, making any decision exceptionally difficult.

    Facing both company layoffs and pay cuts, he was truly caught between a rock and a hard place.

  • someone/something rocks

    Used to express strong approval or admiration for someone or something, indicating that they are excellent or very impressive.

    This new restaurant rocks; their dishes are absolutely top-notch!

Phrasal Verbs of rock

  • rock up

    to reach or show up at a particular location

    They rocked up at the concert venue on time.

  • rock out

    to play rock music with great enthusiasm and at a high volume

    At the concert, they really rocked out with great enthusiasm.