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

Both sculptures are part of the Compassion Corridor, an emerging green space that is anchored by art and pollinator gardens developed by Willow and Compassionate Atlanta, a grassroots community-building nonprofit centered on compassionate action. —Isadora Pennington, AJC.com, 1 May 2026

The progressive grassroots organizing group has been a lead organizer of the No Kings protests and is playing a supporting role in the May Day events. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 1 May 2026

Noun

Their taproots can reach as deep as 15 feet, according to MOFGA, pulling up nutrients like calcium from soil layers that grass roots can’t reach. —Ryan Brennan may 1, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026

Prevent grubs by maintaining strong grass roots with deep, infrequent watering and avoiding over-fertilizing. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 1 May 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