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
c
: a skin-colored cosmetic cream usually used as a base for other 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
The Little Rock School District's suspension of a career education partnership blindsided the Academies of Central Arkansas, according to the leader of the foundation behind the program.
—
Arkansas Online, 12 Jan. 2026
No matter where his work takes him, that foundation always feels like home.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
The gas can seep into homes through cracks in foundations or basement floors; gaps around pipes, cables, or utility lines; construction joints where walls and floors meet; and crawlspaces or dirt floors, the county said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Unlike heavier foundations that can settle into fine lines or emphasize texture, this lightweight formula delivers sheer coverage that evens skin tone while doubling as daily sun protection, too.
—Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foundation
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Cite this Entry
“Foundation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foundation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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
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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