warp and woof

noun

: foundation, base
the vigorous Anglo-Saxon base had become the warp and woof of English speechH. R. Warfel

Examples of warp and woof in a Sentence

regards individual freedom and democracy as the warp and woof of any civilized society
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rise and fall of nations is the warp and woof of international relations. Robert Kagan, Foreign Affairs, 6 Apr. 2022 But it’s part of the warp and woof of Dallas’ history. Dallas News, 22 Apr. 2022 Structure and process are the warp and woof of a successful business. Mark Sirkin, Forbes, 11 July 2022 Those years are sprinkled into the warp and woof of every life phase, from longer childhoods, to ‘emerging adulthoods’ to the quickly-multiplying phases of active adulthood and emerging elderhood. Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes, 1 Sep. 2021 Pat Tyler’s homespun frocks, as well as smart suits for the city slickers of Asheville, mesh beautifully with the warp and woof of the people of bluegrass country. Joanne Engelhardt, The Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2019 All that was needed was the warp and woof of speaker dresses, rather than the big loudspeakers on stage, which suddenly seemed so 20th century. Mark Swed, latimes.com, 18 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of warp and woof was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near warp and woof

Cite this Entry

“Warp and woof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warp%20and%20woof. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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