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rock
/rɑk/
a large piece of stone
We climbed the rock to get a better view of the valley.
The rock was a large stone formation that they climbed for a better view.
general
a large piece of stone
The rock was too heavy to move.
The large stone was difficult to lift.
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.
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.
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
Related Phrases
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
rootEnglish Dictionary