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 grassroots Production Assistants United movement, born partially out of the 2023 strikes, got the backing of a local laborers union in 2024. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025

Miami attorney Sam Dubbin, a long-time friend and counsel to the Holocaust Survivors Foundation USA, the grassroots organization Schaecter helped form, honored him Thursday morning. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

Noun

The adult beetles emerge in late spring to early summer, but the larvae, or grubs, also are responsible for chewing on turf grass roots in mid to late summer. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025

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