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

Does the area have grassroots support? —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

Precinct caucuses are also an opportunity for party members to discuss and introduce policy proposals to the party platform at the grassroots level. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026

Noun

This mat becomes hydrophobic (water-repelling)—when water can no longer penetrate the soil, the grass roots in that area become severely dehydrated and turn brown. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 May 2026

All of this aside, lower levels of government—states and communities—can do much by way of experimentation, nurturing democratic practice at the grass roots. —Danielle Allen, The Atlantic, 21 May 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