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

His dual mission involves winning medals and expanding grassroots participation, addressing the rising cost of youth sports. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

That approval came despite opposition from grassroots groups that warned the casino would profit from the gambling addiction of vulnerable nearby populations and siphon earnings from working-class residents. — Len Maniace, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

Noun

When thatch grows too thick, grass roots begin to grow within the thatch layer rather than the soil, making the lawn less resilient to heat and drought. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

These underground tunnels can damage grass roots, leading to long-term issues for your lawn. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 11 July 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