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

The public screenings take shape through grassroots cooperation. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

But unlike Granholm or Whitmer, Stevens has yet to generate the kind of broad grassroots enthusiasm that defined their statewide campaigns. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Noun

Adult beetles skeletonize leaves and flowers, while their larvae, or grubs, damage grass roots in the soil. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Install Landscape Edging Plastic, steel, wood, brick, or stone garden edging creates a physical barrier that blocks underground grass roots and keeps them from spreading among your flower beds. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 June 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