foundation

noun

fown-DAY-shuhn/faʊnˈdeɪʃən/

Pluralfoundations

7 meanings of foundation

Practice

1
basisnounfigurativelycountable
The basic idea, fact or work that something is built on and grows from.
Like the first floor of a tower: everything else is built on top of it.
Their years of training built the foundation for the team's success.
A good education gives children a foundation for the rest of their lives.
UsageOften used in lay the foundation for something.
Similarbase
2
under a buildingnouncountable
The strong base, usually under the ground, that a building or wall stands on.
Like the bottom of a stack of blocks that holds up all the ones above it.
The whole building sits on a thick concrete foundation.
Without a strong foundation, the tower would topple.
Note
3
charitynouncountable
An organization that is set up and paid for to do good work, like a charity.
She left most of her money to a foundation that helps sick children.
The family started a foundation to fund local schools.
Similarcharity, trust, institute, organization
4
setting upnoununcountable
The act of starting or setting up something new.
The foundation of the new city took many years of planning.
They celebrated the foundation of the club with a big party.
UsageOften the foundation of a city or club.
Similarestablishment
Oppositedissolution, abolition
5
makeupnouncountable or uncountable
Skin-colored makeup, often a liquid or cream, put on the face to make the skin look even.
Like a base coat of paint that smooths a wall before the other colors go on.
She smoothed foundation over her cheeks before adding blush.
This foundation matches my skin tone perfectly.
UsageSay wear foundation, with no a. Use a foundation for one product.
Note

Less common meanings

6
permanent fundnouncountable
A gift of money set aside as a lasting fund to support a charity.
Her gift was kept as a foundation, and only its interest is spent.
The donor's gift became a permanent foundation supporting the museum.
Similarendowment, fund, bequest, legacy
Note
7
card gamenouncountable
In card games like solitaire, a pile you build up, usually one suit in order.
Like sorting cards into neat stacks, one tidy stack for each kind.
She moved the ace over to start a new foundation.
You win the game when all four foundations are complete.
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of foundation apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin fundatio, meaning "founding" or "foundation." It came into English through Old French and Middle English.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

Foundation derives from Latin fundatio. en.wiktionary.org
Latin fundatio means founding or foundation. en.wiktionary.org
The word passed through Old French and Middle English. en.wiktionary.org