bedrock

1 of 2

noun

bed·​rock ˈbed-ˌräk How to pronounce bedrock (audio)
-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 How to pronounce bedrock (audio)
: solidly fundamental, basic, or reliable
traditional bedrock values
a bedrock constituency

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 See all Example Sentences for bedrock 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bedrock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedrock was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near bedrock

Cite this Entry

“Bedrock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedrock. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bedrock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!