noun
Uncommon
bedrock
BEHD-rok
Bedrock (noun) means the solid layer of rock beneath the soil and loose material on the earth's surface. Example: “The foundation had to be drilled straight into the bedrock.”
noun
1
The solid layer of rock beneath the soil and loose material on the earth's surface.
"The foundation had to be drilled straight into the bedrock."
2
The fundamental principle or basis on which something is built.
"Trust is the bedrock of any good relationship."
"Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy."
How to use bedrock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the solid rock deep underground, or — more commonly in everyday speech — the core foundation something is built on.
Common pairings
bedrock principle
bedrock of the economy
solid bedrock
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like bedrock.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- bedrocks
- Third person singular
- bedrocks
- Past tense
- bedrocked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The foundation had to be drilled straight into the _____.
Etymology
From "bed" (a foundational layer) plus "rock."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “bedrock” mean?
The word “bedrock” means the solid layer of rock beneath the soil and loose material on the earth's surface. In plain terms, either the solid rock deep underground, or — more commonly in everyday speech — the core foundation something is built on.
How do you pronounce “bedrock”?
“Bedrock” is pronounced BEHD-rok (/ˈbɛdˌɹɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “bedrock” in a sentence?
Here is “bedrock” used in a sentence: “The foundation had to be drilled straight into the bedrock.”
What part of speech is “bedrock”?
“Bedrock” is a noun.
Is “bedrock” a common word?
“Bedrock” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bedrock” have?
“Bedrock” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the solid layer of rock beneath the soil and loose material on the earth's surface.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include bedrock:
