Rock
/rɒk/
Definitions
4 meaningsA solid mineral material forming a natural part of the earth or other planets.
/rɒk/
A solid mineral matter forming part of the surface of the earth or other celestial bodies.
The children collected smooth rocks from the riverbed.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at the beach. The big, hard things you sit on are rocks! They're made of minerals and super strong.
👶 For kids: A rock is a big, hard thing made of stone that you can find outside!
More Examples
The mountain was composed of various types of rock.
A large rock blocked the path.
How It's Used
"The geologist studied the composition of the sedimentary rock."
"We sat on the rocks by the ocean and watched the sunset."
A genre of popular music characterized by a strong beat, often featuring electric guitars and singing.
/rɒk/
A type of music.
The concert featured a famous rock band.
💡 Simply: Rock music is like the super energetic music you might hear at a concert with guitars, drums, and singing. It's got a strong beat that makes you want to move!
👶 For kids: Rock music is loud and fun music with guitars!
More Examples
Rock music often uses electric guitars and drums.
He enjoys listening to classic rock.
How It's Used
"They formed a rock band in high school."
"She enjoys listening to rock music."
To move or cause to move slowly and rhythmically back and forth.
/rɒk/
To move gently back and forth or from side to side.
The waves gently rocked the boat.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a rocking chair. When you move back and forth gently, that's rocking!
👶 For kids: To rock means to move back and forth like a baby in a cradle!
More Examples
She rocked the baby in her arms.
The chair began to rock slowly.
How It's Used
"The mother rocked her baby to sleep."
"He sat on the porch, rocking in his chair."
To cause (someone) to be deeply shocked or upset.
/rɒk/
To strongly affect or shock.
The unexpected announcement rocked the financial markets.
💡 Simply: If something 'rocks' you, it means it's so surprising or shocking that it makes you feel shaken or confused.
👶 For kids: To rock something means it's like a big surprise that makes people feel upset or surprised!
More Examples
The betrayal rocked her trust.
The scandal rocked the nation.
How It's Used
"The news of the scandal rocked the community."
"His controversial statements rocked the political landscape."
Idioms & expressions
rock and roll
A genre of popular music characterized by a strong beat and use of electric instruments.
"They formed a band that played classic rock and roll."
between a rock and a hard place
In a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant alternatives.
"She was between a rock and a hard place, forced to choose between her job and her family."
rock the boat
To cause trouble or disrupt a situation.
"Don't rock the boat; let's just keep things as they are."
From Middle English rokke, from Old French roque (cliff, rock), of uncertain origin, possibly from a pre-Celtic substrate.
The word 'rock' as a noun has been used for centuries to describe stones and boulders. The musical genre emerged in the mid-20th century.