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

Before this 2025 breakthrough, Sabrina had harnessed grassroots organizing and digital advocacy to spotlight the pervasive violence faced by women and girls. —Anna Mutavati, Time, 15 Apr. 2026

Most faintly resemble, if at all, truly grassroots movements. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026

Noun

To avoid bending that may cause an achy back, use a standard garden hoe to slide beneath the gravel and slice weed and grass roots and stems. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026

Thatch can prevent water and air from reaching the grass roots. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 Apr. 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