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 of bedrock

Noun

• foundation
• basis
• cornerstone

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 rapid spread of Ebola over a large range reflects the nature of gold mining, the bedrock of Mongbwalu's economy. — Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 24 June 2026

This bedrock principle has guided the Federal Reserve since its founding. — Dan Mangan,luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 June 2026

Adjective

From that concern emerged what was then, and remains, an uncontroversial, bedrock moral principle. — Austin Sarat, Fortune, 24 May 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1864, 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