bedrock

1 of 2

noun

bed·​rock ˈbed-ˌräk How to pronounce bedrock (audio)
-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 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
Donaldson’s books have been the bedrock of the BBC’s annual Christmas specials, with this being the 13th to be adapted. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 May 2025 In the volcanic bedrock of the Andes, arsenic is naturally abundant and leaches into the drinking water. Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
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 See All Example Sentences for bedrock

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1873, 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 5 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bedrock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!