grassroots

1 of 2

adjective

grass·​roots ˈgras-ˌrüts 

-ˌru̇ts

variants or less commonly grassroot

ˈgras-ˌrüt 

-ˌru̇t

1

: basic, fundamental

the grassroots factor in deciding to buy a house

2

: being, originating, or operating in or at the grass roots

a grassroots organization

grassroots political support

3

: not adapted from or added to an existing facility or operation : totally new

a grassroots refinery

grass roots

2 of 2

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: the very foundation or source

You must attack the problem at the grass roots.

2

: the basic level of society or of an organization especially as viewed in relation to higher or more centralized positions of power

was losing touch with the party's grass roots

Examples of grassroots in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Walsh and Carroll helped close the deal, and the league and the NFLPA combined to commit an astonishing $100 million in TV money to grassroots football, with a big boost for youth flag. — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 11 Sep. 2026

In London, £1 from every ticket sold on the tour will go to LIVE Trust, which is devoted to protecting, expanding and supporting grassroots music in the UK. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026

Noun

Paine said the winery was started in a real grass roots kind of way, but has room to grow. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026

This helps encourage grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, which boosts its drought-tolerance. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see grass entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for grassroots

• aleuts
• commutes
• computes
• dilutes
• disputes
• firstfruits
• imputes
• lawsuits
• offshoots
• pollutes
• pursuits
• recruits

Kids Definition

grass roots

plural noun

: society at the local and popular level especially in areas away from political or cultural centers