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

Amid a deepening national crisis, a grassroots relief effort led by retired businessman Chuck Fazio delivered 400 pounds of food and supplies to support a community kitchen outside Havana. —Thomas E. Franklin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Atkinson was heavily involved in a grassroots effort to overturn Independence’s ban on pitbulls in 2023. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

Noun

The party has a good bench and there was significant grass roots growth the past four years. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

The Tea Party sprang out of the grass roots and roared at befuddled Congressional representatives in town halls across the country. —Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 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