# warp

/ˈwɔɹp/ (US) · /wˈɔːp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/warp
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to bend out of shape

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The wooden door started to warp because of the heavy rain and wouldn't close properly.
- If the timber is not seasoned correctly before construction, the floorboards will inevitably warp and creak as the building settles.

### 4. weaving threads

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: the set of longitudinal threads in a loom through which the weft is woven.

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

### 5. science fiction travel

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

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

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

- The spaceship jumped into warp to escape the enemy fleet.
- The show's writers used a time warp as a convenient plot device to explore the characters' historical origins.

### 6. to move a ship

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The crew had to warp the boat into the narrow dock using thick ropes.
- In the absence of a favorable wind, the sailors were forced to warp the schooner out of the harbor by hand.

## Examples

- The wooden door began to warp because of the humidity.
- If you leave these floorboards in a damp garage, the wood will eventually warp and become impossible to install.
- Constant exposure to extreme temperatures caused the external panels to warp, compromising the structural integrity of the experimental housing unit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.