What does "on the rocks" mean?

When a drink is served "on the rocks," it means that the beverage is poured over ice. This method is commonly used for various spirits, such as whiskey or vodka, providing a cool temperature and slight dilution as the ice melts. The term "rocks" refers to the ice cubes in the glass, enhancing the drinking experience by chilling the drink while allowing the flavors to remain intact, unlike a properly mixed drink that may contain mixers or other ingredients.

In contrast, the other definitions provided do not accurately convey the meaning of "on the rocks." For instance, a drink served chilled without ice would imply a different term entirely, as would a drink shaken with ice, which refers to the process of mixing. A drink left at room temperature distinctly does not involve any cooling element, thus failing to align with the definition of "on the rocks."