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warp and woof

noun

Definition of warp and woof 

: foundation, base the vigorous Anglo-Saxon base had become the warp and woof of English speech— H. R. Warfel

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Synonyms for warp and woof

Synonyms

base, basis, bedrock, bottom, cornerstone, footing, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, root, underpinning, warp

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Examples of warp and woof in a Sentence

regards individual freedom and democracy as the warp and woof of any civilized society

Recent Examples on the Web

 All that was needed was the warp and woof of speaker dresses, rather than the big loudspeakers on stage, which suddenly seemed so 20th century. — Mark Swed, latimes.com, "At Disney Hall, the dresses made of speakers were just the beginning," 18 Apr. 2018

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

First Known Use of warp and woof

1842, in the meaning defined above

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Dictionary Entries near warp and woof

Waropen

warp

war paint

warp and woof

war party

warpath

warp beam

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Time Traveler for warp and woof

The first known use of warp and woof was in 1842

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for warp and woof

Britannica English: Translation of warp and woof for Arabic Speakers

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