Rocking
'rɒkɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo move gently back and forth or from side to side.
'rɒkɪŋ
Moving rhythmically back and forth or from side to side.
He spent the evening rocking in the chair on the porch.
💡 Simply: Like when you sway a baby to help them sleep, or when a band really gets the crowd moving with their music!
👶 For kids: Moving something back and forth, like a swing.
More Examples
The boat was rocking gently in the waves.
She rocked the baby until he fell asleep.
The crowd was rocking to the music.
How It's Used
"The mother was rocking the baby to sleep."
"The band was rocking the stage with their energetic performance."
Extremely good or exciting.
'rɒkɪŋ
Excellent; exciting; impressive.
We had a rocking time at the amusement park.
💡 Simply: When something is awesome, fantastic, really great—like a super fun party or a super cool video game.
👶 For kids: Really, really good!
More Examples
The new movie is rocking!
She gave a rocking performance at the show.
How It's Used
"That concert was rocking!"
Characterized by a rhythmic, back-and-forth movement.
'rɒkɪŋ
Moving rhythmically back and forth.
The rocking chair on the porch was a comfort.
💡 Simply: Something that's gently moving back and forth, like a baby's cradle.
👶 For kids: Something that's moving back and forth.
More Examples
They spent hours on the rocking boat.
The rocking motion of the ship made some passengers seasick.
The rocking horse was a favorite toy.
How It's Used
"The rocking boat gently carried us across the lake."
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."
From Middle English *rokken*, from Old English *rocian* ('to rock'), influenced by Old Norse *roka* ('to shake').
The verb 'rock' has been used since Old English, initially referring to a physical movement. The adjectival use as 'excellent' is a more modern slang development.
Memory tip
Imagine a cradle gently moving back and forth.
Word Origin
"to move back and forth"