warp

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈwȯrp 

1

a

: a series of yarns extended lengthwise in a loom and crossed by the weft

b

: foundation, base

… the warp of the economic structure is agriculture …

—Amer. Guide Series: N.C.

2

: a rope for warping or mooring a ship or boat

3

[warp entry 2]

a

: a twist or curve that has developed in something originally flat or straight

a warp in a door panel

b

: a mental aberration

warpage

ˈwȯr-pij 

noun

warp

2 of 3

verb

warped; warping; warps

transitive verb

1

: to arrange (yarns) so as to form a warp

2

a

: to turn or twist out of or as if out of shape

especially : to twist or bend out of a plane

b

: to cause to judge, choose, or act wrongly or abnormally : pervert

c

: distort

… intellect and learning … warped by prejudices …

—Irving Wallace

warps space and time

d

: to deflect from a course

3

: to move (something, such as a ship) by hauling on a line attached to a fixed object

intransitive verb

1

: to become warped

2

: to move a ship by warping

warper noun

warper

3 of 3

noun (2)

warp·​er

ˈwȯrpər, 

ˈwȯ(ə)pə(r

plural -s

: one that warps: such as

a

: a worker who prepares yarn for a warp by winding it in sheet form onto a beam or in rope form into a ball compare beamer sense 1 b

b

: a machine used for this work

Synonyms of warp

Noun (1)

• basis
• foundation
• bedrock
• cornerstone

Verb

• distort
• misrepresent

Choose the Right Synonym for warp

deform, distort, contort, warp means to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting.

deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth.

a face deformed by hatred

distort and contort both imply a wrenching from the natural or normal, but contort suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result.

the odd camera angle distorts the figure

disease had contorted her body

warp indicates an uneven shrinking that bends or twists out of a flat plane.

warped floorboards

Examples of warp in a Sentence

Noun (1)

There's a warp in the floorboards.

an unshakable belief in the essential goodness of humankind is the warp of his philosophy

Verb

The wood was warped by moisture.

The heat caused the wood to warp.

He held prejudices that warped his judgment.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These items can split, warp, rust, corrode, or mildew when left in a humid storage unit or attic for too long. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 June 2026

Labranderas, those who practice labrado, remake the cloth itself, counting and reweaving threads between the warp and the weft to create structure. —Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026

Verb

Managing Moisture and Humidity From warping the vanity to enabling the growth of mold and mildew, moisture can make a bath both unsightly and odorous. —Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 22 June 2026

Annual inspections, particularly in wet rooms, are recommended to check for signs of warping, swelling, odor, and water damage. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English wearp; akin to Old High German warf warp, Old English weorpan to throw, Old Norse verpa

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing warp

• time warp
• warp and woof
• warp beam
• warp knit
• warp speed

Rhymes for warp

• thorp

Kids Definition

warp

1 of 2 noun

ˈwȯ(ə)rp 

1

: a series of yarns going lengthwise in a loom and crossed by the woof

2

: a twist or curve in something once flat or straight

a warp in a door

warp

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to turn or twist out of shape

b

: to cause to judge, choose, or act wrongly : pervert

2

: to arrange so as to form a warp

warp yarns

warper noun