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Rock: meaning, definitions and examples

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rock

 

[ rɒk ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

music

Rock is a genre of popular music that originated as "rock and roll" in the United States in the 1950s. It typically features electric guitars, drums, and strong rhythms. Rock music often emphasizes the use of live performances and the power of the electric guitar.

Synonyms

hard rock, rock and roll, rock music

Examples of usage

  • Many famous rock bands emerged in the 1960s, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
  • Rock concerts attract large crowds of enthusiastic fans.
Context #2 | Noun

geology

Rock is a solid mineral material forming part of the surface of the earth and other similar planets, exposed on the surface or underlying the soil or oceans.

Synonyms

formation, mineral, stone

Examples of usage

  • The Grand Canyon displays beautiful layers of rock formations.
  • Geologists study the composition and structure of rocks.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To rock means to move gently to and fro or from side to side.

Synonyms

move, sway, swing

Examples of usage

  • The cradle rocked the baby to sleep.
  • The boat rocked in the waves.

Translations

Translations of the word "rock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rocha

🇮🇳 चट्टान

🇩🇪 Felsen

🇮🇩 batu

🇺🇦 скеля

🇵🇱 skała

🇯🇵 岩 (いわ)

🇫🇷 roche

🇪🇸 roca

🇹🇷 kaya

🇰🇷 바위

🇸🇦 صخرة

🇨🇿 skála

🇸🇰 skala

🇨🇳 岩石

🇸🇮 skala

🇮🇸 klettur

🇰🇿 жартас

🇬🇪 კლდე

🇦🇿 qaya

🇲🇽 roca

Etymology

The word 'rock' has a rich history, with its origins dating back to Old English 'rocc'. It has evolved over the centuries to encompass various meanings, from geological formations to a genre of music. The term 'rock and roll' became popular in the 1950s to describe a new style of music that combined elements of rhythm and blues with country music. Since then, rock music has become a global phenomenon, influencing culture and society worldwide.

See also: rockfish, rocking, rocks, rocky.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,434, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.