choppy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

chop·​py ˈchä-pē How to pronounce choppy (audio)
choppier; choppiest
Synonyms of choppynext
1
: being roughened : chapped
2
: rough with small waves
3
a
: interrupted by ups and downs
choppy terrain
a choppy career
b
: jerky
short choppy strides
c
: disconnected
choppy writing
choppily
ˈchä-pə-lē How to pronounce choppy (audio)
adverb

choppy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

choppier; choppiest
: changeable, variable
a choppy wind

Synonyms of choppy

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Adjective (1)

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Examples of choppy in a Sentence

Adjective (1) a sharp, choppy wind coming off the lake the old cable car provides a picturesque but choppy ride to the mountain's peak the plot was intriguing, but the author's style was so choppy that I finally gave up in frustration
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Syncing the audio to the video drops that to 25 frames per second, which makes playback noticeably choppier. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 28 Oct. 2026 In a choppy video, the man appears to accuse the former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, now seen as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strongest challenger, of planning to govern with Hamas supporters or of being unwilling to destroy Hamas. — Nadav Eyal, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 Lazovick soon emerged in the guise of a Sex Pistol, wearing a choppy blond wig and black tartan pants, and holding an electric guitar over his shoulder like a bindle. — Nolan Kelly, Artforum, 26 Oct. 2026 Wind can leave one side of this small island choppy while another bay remains relatively protected. — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for choppy

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

chop entry 2

Adjective (2)

chop entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of choppy was circa 1616

Rhymes for choppy

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Browse Nearby Words

chopping knife
choppy
chops
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Choppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choppy. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

choppy

1 of 2 adjective
chop·​py ˈchäp-ē How to pronounce choppy (audio)
choppier; choppiest
: changeable sense 1, variable
choppy wind

choppy

2 of 2 adjective
choppier; choppiest
1
: rough with small waves
the lake was choppy
2
: marked by sudden stops and starts : not connected smoothly
short choppy sentences
choppiness noun
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