rock

/rɑk/
nounBeginner
general

a large piece of stone

The rock was too heavy to move.

The large stone was difficult to lift.

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Can refer to a single stone or a rock formation.

informal

a type of music characterized by loud, heavy sounds and strong rhythms

They played rock music at the concert.

The band performed a loud, rhythmic style of music.

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Often shortened to 'rock' when referring to the genre.

informal

to move back and forth or side to side

The baby rocked in the cradle.

The baby moved gently back and forth in the cradle.

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Can also be used as a verb meaning to sway or move rhythmically.

Collocations

rock and rolla genre of music with a strong beat and electric guitarsrock solidvery stable or reliablerock bottomthe lowest possible point

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

rock the boatidiom
to cause trouble or disruption
rock and rollphrase
a genre of music

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

The word 'rock' is often used to describe large stones or formations, but it can also refer to a music genre or the act of moving back and forth.

Gold Rule

Noun vs. Verb

Remember that 'rock' can be both a noun (a large stone) and a verb (to move back and forth).

📖Word Origin

From Old English 'rocc', meaning 'rock, stone'. Related to German 'Rocke' and Dutch 'rok'.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used as a noun or verb. As a verb, it often means to move back and forth or to support someone emotionally.

Word Breakdown

rock
a large piece of stone
root
English Dictionary