1. the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level
Usage: construction; architecture
2. an underlying basis or principle for something
3. an institution financed by a donation or legacy to aid research, education, the arts, or charity

Examples

• The builders poured concrete for the house foundations.
• She studied the foundations of mathematics in her first year.
• The research was funded by a private foundation.
• Good communication skills are the foundations of any relationship.
• She applied foundation before putting on her lipstick.
• The earthquake damaged the building’s foundations.
• The foundation donated millions to cancer research.