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

Visitors are invited to explore this archeological site to experience native gardens, artifacts, ramadas, a replica Kumeyaay village, and ancient bedrock mortars. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026

The Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt The Great Sphinx of Giza measures 240 feet long and 66 feet high, carved directly from limestone bedrock. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026

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

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