bedrock

American  

[bed-rok] / ˈbɛdˌrɒk /

noun

1. Geology. unbroken solid rock, overlaid in most places by soil or rock fragments.

2. bottom layer; lowest stratum.

3. any firm foundation or basis.

   Technical courses will be founded on a bedrock of sound, general education so as to produce a well-rounded engineer.

4. the fundamental principles, as of a teaching, belief, or science.

   Let's strip away the cant and get down to bedrock.

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adjective

1. basic; fundamental.

bedrock British  

/ ˈbɛdˌrɒk /

noun

1. the solid unweathered rock that lies beneath the loose surface deposits of soil, alluvium, etc

2. basic principles or facts (esp in the phrase get down to bedrock )

3. the lowest point, level, or layer

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bedrock Scientific  

/ bĕd′rŏk′ /

1. The solid rock that lies beneath the soil and other loose material on the Earth's surface.

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Etymology

Origin of bedrock

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; bed + rock ¹

Explanation

Bedrock is the hard layer of rock beneath looser rocks and soil. In some places, the bedrock is exposed, while in others it lies deep underground. A geologist who's interested in studying the bedrock in different areas might have to dig through the various layers of soil to reach that bedrock. You can also use the word in a figurative way, to mean "the heart of the matter," or "the basic, fundamental principles." For example, you might say that fairness and freedom is the bedrock of a good government. The word combines bed — here meaning "plot of land" — and rock.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bedrock

The report, completed within weeks, laid the blame on “defective foundations,” concluding that gravity dams were safe if built on bedrock.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

The coming weeks are shaping up to be a critical stretch for the $30 trillion Treasury market, widely considered the bedrock of the global financial system.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026

"Fiscal discipline is the bedrock of economic stability and national security," a spokesperson said.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

Some Antarctic ice rests on bedrock that lies below sea level.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 23, 2026

Zeitoun used that as a bedrock and constant guide in the way he and Kathy did business, and the workers took note.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers