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