# rocks

/ˈɹɑks/ (US) · /ɹˈɒks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rocks
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. stones

noun · CEFR A1

large pieces of stone or the hard substance that makes up the earth.

For teachers: plural form of rock; solid mineral material forming part of the surface of the earth and other similar planets.

- The children spent the afternoon climbing over the big rocks on the beach.
- The hikers navigated the treacherous path where loose rocks made every step a potential hazard for their ankles.

### 2. money

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a slang word for money.

For teachers: a slang term for money, particularly in the context of wealth or payment.

- He must have plenty of rocks to afford a car like that.
- The deal fell through because the buyer didn't have enough rocks to cover the initial deposit.

### 3. testicles

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

a very rude word for a man's testicles.

For teachers: a vulgar slang term referring to the testicles.

- The player was doubled over after the ball hit him right in the rocks.
- The comedian's routine relied heavily on crude jokes about his rocks, which alienated a large portion of the audience.

### 4. crack cocaine

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a slang name for a specific type of illegal drug.

For teachers: a slang term for crack cocaine, referring to its pebble-like appearance.

- The police found several rocks hidden in the back of the van.
- The documentary explored the devastating impact that the distribution of rocks had on the local community during the 1980s.

### 6. is excellent

verb · CEFR B1 · Informal

to be very good, impressive, or exciting.

For teachers: an informal use meaning to be excellent or highly impressive; often used to describe music or performances.

- That new band really rocks; you should come to their next show.
- The lead guitarist's solo absolutely rocks, providing a high-energy climax to an otherwise mediocre set of standard blues tracks.

## Examples

- The children collected smooth rocks from the beach.
- Geologists study different types of rocks to understand how the earth's crust has changed over millions of years.
- The climbers struggled to find secure handholds among the loose rocks and crumbling shale that covered the steep mountain face.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.