foundation
noun
foun·da·tion
fau̇n-ˈdā-shən 
1
: the act of founding
here since the foundation of the school
2
: a basis (such as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported
the foundations of geometry
the rumor is without foundation in fact
3
a
: funds given for the permanent support of an institution : endowment
b
: an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance
a trust administered by a foundation
4
: an underlying base or support
especially
: the whole masonry substructure of a building
5
a
: a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid
a limestone foundation
b
: a woman's supporting undergarment : corset
c
: a cosmetic usually used as a base for makeup
Examples of foundation in a Sentence
The inspector discovered a crack in the house's foundation.
The book explains the moral foundations on which her political career was built.
These problems threaten the very foundations of modern society.
The scandal has shaken the government to its foundations.
They established a foundation to help orphaned children.
Recent Examples on the Web
For many of us, these quiet, intimate moments formed the foundation of our lifelong relationship with beauty.
—
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
In a letter to foundation executives, Najeeb rejected the characterization of her opinion piece as hateful or antisemitic.
—Sophie Carson, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
Aaron was asked to be the foundation’s attorney two days before that Oct. 14 board meeting, Aaron told the Sentinel.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
After receiving the money from the settlement, the foundation gave $5 million grants to Secure Florida’s Future, a nonprofit tied to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Save our Society from Drugs.
—Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foundation
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Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2025
In a letter to foundation executives, Najeeb rejected the characterization of her opinion piece as hateful or antisemitic.
—Sophie Carson, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
Aaron was asked to be the foundation’s attorney two days before that Oct. 14 board meeting, Aaron told the Sentinel.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
After receiving the money from the settlement, the foundation gave $5 million grants to Secure Florida’s Future, a nonprofit tied to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Save our Society from Drugs.
—Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foundation
Cite this Entry
“Foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foundation. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
foundation
noun
foun·da·tion
fau̇n-ˈdā-shən
1
: the act of founding
2
: the support upon which something rests
a house with a cinder-block foundation
suspicions with no foundation in fact
3
: funds given for the permanent support of an institution
also
: an institution supported by such funds
Legal Definition
foundation
noun
foun·da·tion
1
: a basis upon which something stands or is supported
specifically
: a witness's preliminary testimony given to identify or explain evidence being offered at trial and establish its connection to the issue for which it is offered
the lack of any foundation for the orthopedic surgeon's familiarity with the…standard of care rendered the surgeon's opinion testimony inadmissible —National Law Journal
National Law Journal Note: Before evidence can be admitted at trial, the foundation for it must be laid by the party offering it. A foundation must also be laid for the qualification of a witness as an expert, or for the assertion of a privilege.
2
a
: funds given for the permanent support of an institution : endowment
b
: an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance
foundational
adjective
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