bedrock

1 of 2

noun

bed·​rock ˈbed-ˌräk How to pronounce bedrock (audio)
-ˈräk
Synonyms of bedrocknext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In navigating the minefield that is 20th century and contemporary art, some names represent bedrock-like solidity and maximum liquidity in a world driven by passionate enthusiasts who see investment as the cherry on top. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026 Latinos are a plurality of California’s population and the bedrock of the Democratic Party. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The companies driving the stock market today are mostly bedrock AI infrastructure providers, but investor reactions to earnings reports and new developments often show a lack of understanding of how AI and technology work. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 26 Feb. 2026 Never mind that for decades, muscular international aid was a bedrock Republican idea. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bedrock

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedrock was in 1839

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bedrock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedrock. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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

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