bedrock

1 of 2

noun

bed·​rock ˈbed-ˌräk 

-ˈräk

1

: the solid rock underlying unconsolidated surface materials (such as soil)

2

a

: lowest point

b

: basis

bedrock

2 of 2

adjective

bed·​rock ˈbed-ˌräk 

: solidly fundamental, basic, or reliable

traditional bedrock values

a bedrock constituency

Synonyms

Noun

• base
• basis
• bottom
• cornerstone
• footing
• foundation
• ground
• groundwork
• keystone
• root
• underpinning
• warp
• warp and woof

Examples of bedrock in a Sentence

Noun

They dug down for 10 feet before they hit bedrock.

His religious beliefs are the bedrock on which his life is based.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The world’s most valuable companies are now technology giants built on the bedrock of semiconductors. —Sunil Mehta, The Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2024

And these drivers – the bedrock of Uber’s supply base – will be hurt by the new regulations in three ways. —Len Sherman, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Adjective

The statements, experts said, are likely to have a harmful effect on the nation's confidence in bedrock American principles. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 1 June 2024

In short, Russian and separatist forces quickly encountered the region’s bedrock Ukrainian identity, laid by centuries of migration from the country’s central heartland. —Brian Milakovsky, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1873, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bedrock

noun

bed·​rock

ˈbed-ˌräk

1

: the solid rock lying under surface materials (as soil) that are not in layers

2

: a solid foundation