English Reference
verb · noun

warp

v. · n.
US /ˈwɔɹp/ UK /wˈɔːp/ warp UK spelling warping, warps

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to bend or twist out of shape, usually because of heat or moisture.

    v.to become twisted or bent out of a flat or straight shape. Often used of wood reacting to environmental moisture or temperature changes.

    Simple

    The wooden door started to warp because of the heavy rain and wouldn't close properly.

    In context

    If the timber is not seasoned correctly before construction, the floorboards will inevitably warp and creak as the building settles.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical

    n.the long threads that go up and down on a weaving machine.

    n.the set of longitudinal threads in a loom through which the weft is woven.

    Simple

    The weaver carefully pulled the warp threads tight before starting the next row.

    In context

    High-quality tapestries require a strong warp to support the weight of the intricate decorative weft threads.

    Usage

    Usually used in contrast with 'weft' or 'woof'.

    weftwoof
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a way of traveling faster than light or through time in movies and books.

    n.a hypothetical or fictional distortion of space-time that allows for faster-than-light travel.

    Simple

    The spaceship jumped into warp to escape the enemy fleet.

    In context

    The show's writers used a time warp as a convenient plot device to explore the characters' historical origins.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Nautical

    v.to move a ship by pulling on a rope attached to something fixed.

    v.to move a vessel by hauling on a line or cable attached to a fixed object such as an anchor or pier.

    Simple

    The crew had to warp the boat into the narrow dock using thick ropes.

    In context

    In the absence of a favorable wind, the sailors were forced to warp the schooner out of the harbor by hand.

In Theo and Haulie’s garage, time warps even further: “A good while ago could mean a month ago or it could be right back in history,” Ryan writes.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

Like the Salé skyline, it warps and shifts and grows and gentrifies and swells beyond recognition.

The Guardian· 5 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated