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

Stability, the ability to remain composed, consistent and dependable, especially during times of change and stress, is the bedrock of trust and the quiet strength that allows others to feel secure and focused. —Michael McFall, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

The concrete bases of the structure were located at the points where the bedrock is highest, reducing the cost of building the house’s foundations. —María Noval-Quílez, Architectural Digest, 30 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Never mind that for decades, muscular international aid was a bedrock Republican idea. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1873, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bedrock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk
• graywacke

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