grassroots

1 of 2

adjective

grass·​roots ˈgras-ˌrüts How to pronounce grassroots (audio)
-ˌru̇ts
variants or less commonly grassroot
ˈgras-ˌrüt How to pronounce grassroots (audio)
-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
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Adjective
That energy was channeled into the formation of a La Jolla Fire Safe Council, a grassroots nonprofit organization intended to partner with fire agencies for wildfire preparedness and prevention. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025 The timing underscores a bitter truth: while federal lawmakers celebrate American exceptionalism, grassroots leaders like Monday are forced to bootstrap the very safety nets their communities have been denied. Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
Heritage Action, the think tank’s grass roots advocacy arm, is helping states pass legislation that penalizes those who support boycotts against Israel. Katie J.m. Baker, New York Times, 18 May 2025 In response, a robust care movement has emerged over the past three decades, led by NGO’s, grass roots organizations, public agencies, and more, working to build and strengthen care infrastructure. Tom Chiodo, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for grassroots

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of grassroots was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Grassroots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grassroots. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

grass roots

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

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