hard-core

adjective

\ ˈhärd-ˈkȯr

Definition of hard-core

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of, relating to, or being part of a hard core hard-core poverty the hard-core unemployed

b : confirmed, die-hard hard-core rock fans a hard-core liberal

2 of pornography : containing explicit descriptions of sex acts or scenes of actual sex acts — compare soft-core

3 : characterized by or being the purest or most basic form of something : fundamental a room gussied up in hard-core French provincial style— John Canaday

hard core

noun

Definition of hard core (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a central or fundamental and usually enduring group or part: such as

a : a relatively small enduring core of society marked by apparent resistance to change or inability to escape a persistent wretched condition (such as poverty or chronic unemployment)

b : a militant or fiercely loyal faction

2 usually hardcore \ ˈhärd-ˌkȯr

\, chiefly British : hard material in pieces (such as broken bricks or stone) used as a bottom (as in making roads and in foundations)

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about hard-core

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Examples of hard-core in a Sentence

Noun

He knows that he can count on the support of a hard core of party loyalists.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

For most of the soccer season, the far ends of the Parc des Princes stadium here house the hardest core of Paris Saint-Germain fans, the groups that chant the loudest, smuggle in flares, and spark the most fights. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, "France Kicks Off Women’s World Cup With 4-0 Victory Over South Korea," 8 June 2019 Providing those guarantees in the agreement could, British officials believe, convince all but a hard core of 20-30 pro-Brexit lawmakers to back the withdrawal deal. — Stephen Fidler, WSJ, "As Brexit Deadline Nears, EU Loses Confidence in May," 13 Feb. 2019 Rigorous Testing To achieve selection, all the suppressors under consideration were challenged to meet hard core requirements. — Allison Barrie, Fox News, "Weapons upgrade set to make US Special Operations even more deadly," 13 Sep. 2018 Not even the hardest core NRA types are happy about felons packing heat. — Jack Greiner, Cincinnati.com, "Concealed carry: Why keeping Ohio's concealed carry permit records secret could be dangerous," 11 July 2018 And although a hard core would never forgive any softening of Brexit, many more will tune out next March, once Brexit is formally achieved and the blue passports have been issued. — The Economist, "Britain is heading for a soft Brexit," 16 June 2018 In KGB’s heyday, the District was home to underground punk, hard core, hip-hop and go-go music scenes, all with their own taggers. — Anthony J. Rivera, Washington Post, "Living D.C. graffiti legend went from rowdy thug to art teacher," 28 June 2018 With her powerful legs and rock-hard core, Magone can kick and walk on logs as narrow as 11 inches — sometimes for more than an hour. — Yadira Sanchez Olson, Lake County News-Sun, "Junior logroller from Wauconda showcasing her skills on 'Little Big Shots'," 27 June 2018 Walter was an avid hunter, enjoyed playing softball, and was a hard core New England Patriots fan who relished DJing at parties. — courant.com, "Walter Greene jr.," 4 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hard-core.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.