noun
Uncommon
warp
WAWP
Warp (noun) means a twist or distortion out of the normal or original shape. Example: “The heat left a noticeable warp in the wooden shelf.”
noun
1
A twist or distortion out of the normal or original shape.
"The heat left a noticeable warp in the wooden shelf."
"There was a slight warp in the door, so it stuck."
"The old record had a warp, which made the music wobble."
2
The lengthwise threads on a loom, crossed by the weft to make woven fabric.
"The weaver carefully strung the warp before beginning the pattern."
"The weaver tied the warp threads tightly to the frame."
"Weft threads pass over and under the warp to form the cloth."
3
(in science fiction) A means of travelling faster than light, or a distortion in space and time.
"The starship jumped to warp speed to escape the enemy fleet."
"The captain ordered the crew to engage the warp drive."
"In the film, a tear in space called a warp swallows the ship."
verb
1
To bend or twist something out of its original shape, or to become bent this way.
"The damp wood began to warp after being left outside."
"Years of isolation had warped his sense of what was normal."
"Don't leave the guitar by the radiator or the neck will warp."
How to use warp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo twist out of shape, or (literally or figuratively) a bend or distortion — also used for faster-than-light travel in sci-fi.
Common pairings
warp speed
warp and weft
warped judgment
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Word forms
- Plural
- warps
- Third person singular
- warps
- Past tense
- warped
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The heat left a noticeable _____ in the wooden shelf.
Etymology
From Old English wearp, originally referring to threads stretched lengthwise on a loom, from a Germanic root related to "throwing" or "casting."
Related words
Rhymes for warp
See all rhymes for warp →Frequently asked questions
What does “warp” mean?
The word “warp” means a twist or distortion out of the normal or original shape. In plain terms, to twist out of shape, or (literally or figuratively) a bend or distortion — also used for faster-than-light travel in sci-fi.
How do you pronounce “warp”?
“Warp” is pronounced WAWP (/ˈwoɹp/ in IPA).
How do you use “warp” in a sentence?
Here is “warp” used in a sentence: “The heat left a noticeable warp in the wooden shelf.”
What part of speech is “warp”?
Depending on how it is used, “warp” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “warp” come from?
The word “warp” comes from Old English. From Old English wearp, originally referring to threads stretched lengthwise on a loom, from a Germanic root related to "throwing" or "casting.".
Is “warp” a common word?
“Warp” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “warp” have?
“Warp” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a twist or distortion out of the normal or original shape.
What is the difference between warp and weft in weaving?
The warp is the set of lengthwise threads held on a loom, while the weft is the thread woven crosswise through the warp to create fabric. Together these two sets of threads form the structure of woven cloth.
What is the difference between warp and bend?
Warp specifically implies a distortion out of the original or normal shape, often due to heat, moisture, or pressure, while bend describes a more general curving that does not necessarily indicate damage or deformity. A warped board has lost its intended flat shape, whereas a bent object may still be functional or intentional.
How is warp used in science fiction?
In science fiction, warp refers to a means of traveling faster than light or to a distortion in space and time, as popularized by concepts like "warp speed" or "warp drive." This usage extends the core idea of distortion into an imagined technology for space travel.
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