groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)
Synonyms of groundworknext
: foundation, basis
laid the groundwork for a new program
also : preparation made beforehand
The groundwork was done before the winter tour. Susan Reiter

Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
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 company moved to the Bay Area in 2014 and by 2018 had developed a second version of BlackFly that laid the groundwork for Helix, the aircraft Pivotal now offers for sale. The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 But if there is room, the fact that Hyacinth got a real bump in screen time in season four could point to Bridgerton laying the groundwork for her eventual season in the spotlight. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2026 Suburban Fury explores how Moore morphed from a conservative housewife to a radical intent on laying the groundwork for an uprising in America by eliminating the president. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026 Early on, Anthropologie was a key supporter, helping lay the groundwork for broader wholesale expansion, which today accounts for 70 percent of the business and includes partners such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for groundwork

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundwork was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwork. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

groundwork

noun
ground·​work ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)

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