What does stoney mean?
Stoney is an chiefly American variant of the more familiar word stony. In its literal sense, it describes ground, paths, cliffs, or other surfaces that consist of or resemble stone. In figurative use, a stoney look, silence, or attitude is hard, impassive, and unsympathetic. The word can therefore describe both the physical character of a place and the emotional effect of a person’s behavior. Although stoney has appeared in standard American usage, it remains uncommon, and most contemporary writers choose stony instead. Its definition and pronunciation are otherwise identical to those of the standard spelling. The word is useful for recognizing a recognized variant and for expressing the idea that something is literally rocky or figuratively unyielding.
Made of, covered with, or resembling stone; rocky.
"The stoney ground was difficult to cultivate."
This sense is literal and can also describe a stony surface or landscape.
Hard, unyielding, or unsympathetic in manner or expression.
"He met the criticism with a stoney silence."
This figurative sense is commonly associated with expressions, faces, attitudes, and silences.
“Stoney” is a perfectly legitimate spelling—until the dictionary sends you to “stony.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stoney come from?
The adjective descends from Old English stāni, meaning “consisting of stone,” which was formed from stān, “stone.” Middle English had the forms stoni and stony, and the modern spelling stoney belongs to the same established word. Its vocabulary relative, stoniness, and adverb stonily continue the same native English derivation.
Related word forms
How stoney is actually used
Stoney is chiefly an American spelling variant of stony. It is much less common, and most speakers use stony in formal and informal writing alike.
Easily confused with stoney
Stoney is a less common spelling variant of stony; both normally have the same meanings.