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 annual event is part of World Naked Bike Ride, an international grassroots movement created to promote positive body image and encourage safer roads for cyclists. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Tim Ferrito, leader of grassroots group Affordable Naperville, said the group was supportive of the city conducting a more detailed evaluation of the battery storage system and would like to see more information on the economic impact for Naperville. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

Noun

The plastic underneath the grass ensures grass roots only go down so far. — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Aeration is the process of putting small holes into the soil so water, air, and nutrients can reach the grass roots. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 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