rock

The hard natural material that makes up much of the ground and mountains.

• The tunnel goes through solid rock.
• Rain slowly wears away the rock.
• Different layers of rock are visible in the cliff.

Similar words: stone

Common phrases: solid rock, bare rock, rock face, rock formation

A type of music with a strong beat, usually played with electric guitars and drums.

• I listen to rock every day.
• She sings in a rock band.
• Do you prefer rock or jazz?

Similar words: rock music

Common phrases: rock music, rock band, rock concert, classic rock

A piece of ice used to keep a drink cold, usually mentioned in the plural.

• I ordered whisky on the rocks.
• Would you like your bourbon on the rocks?
• The rocks in my glass had almost melted.

Similar words: ice cube

Common phrases: rock of ice, large ice rock

To move, or make something move, strongly from side to side or backwards and forwards.

• The boat rocked in the wind.
• A strong wave rocked the ship.
• Hold the ladder so it does not rock.

How to use it: rock back and forth (The small boat rocked back and forth in the storm.); rock from side to side (The bus rocked from side to side on the rough road.)

Similar words: sway, shake

Common phrases: rock the boat, rock back, rock from side

To affect someone or something very strongly, often by causing shock or worry.

• The news rocked our family.
• A major scandal has rocked the government.
• Her brilliant performance rocked my world.

How to use it: be rocked by something (The town was rocked by the mayor's sudden arrest.)

Similar words: shake, shock

Common phrases: rock the community, rock someone's world, rock the government

To wash material containing metal in a moving container to separate the valuable pieces.

• The miners rocked the ore.
• Gravel was rocked to separate the gold.
• They rocked the material in a wooden cradle.

Common phrases: rock the ore, rock gold ore