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

This year’s Slamdance festival is also a testament to the power of the grassroots film community; the festival’s audience grew by 10% from the year before, selling over 12,000 tickets and recording a six-figure net in box office receipts. —Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026

The Chicago Frontlines Fund provides grants to grassroots environmental justice initiatives, according to the organization’s website. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Noun

By removing this layer of dead grass and organic debris, water, air, and nutrients are better able to penetrate to the grass roots. —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026

To repair the damage, lightly rake the problem areas to improve air circulation and allow more sunlight to the grass roots. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 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