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

Cornyn largely has stayed in Washington, mixing official Senate work with Texas campaign moments, such as a recent tour on the border, betting that repetition on TV can blunt grassroots skepticism and carry him into a runoff. —Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026

This is a problem among grassroots conservatives and progressives, as Calhoun detailed. —David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026

Noun

With that in mind, both women are encouraged by the new cohort of up-and-coming politicians who draw their energy from the grass roots, not the corporate class. —Rachel Monroe, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026

In the face of such diverse challenges, Mijente Executive Director Marisa Franco said nonprofits and grass roots must find strength by working together. —Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 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