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
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
Mahrang Baloch, Time, 10 June 2025
Several grassroots political organizations — including 50501, Indivisible and Stand Up America — are joining forces June 14 in protest.
—Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2025
Katie J.m. Baker, New York Times, 18 May 2025
In response, a robust care movement has emerged over the past three decades, led by NGO’s, grass roots organizations, public agencies, and more, working to build and strengthen care infrastructure.
—Tom Chiodo, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grassroots
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
From this darkness, a woman leading a grassroots movement for Baloch rights was unacceptable.
—Mahrang Baloch, Time, 10 June 2025
Several grassroots political organizations — including 50501, Indivisible and Stand Up America — are joining forces June 14 in protest.
—Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2025
Noun
Heritage Action, the think tank’s grass roots advocacy arm, is helping states pass legislation that penalizes those who support boycotts against Israel.
—Katie J.m. Baker, New York Times, 18 May 2025
In response, a robust care movement has emerged over the past three decades, led by NGO’s, grass roots organizations, public agencies, and more, working to build and strengthen care infrastructure.
—Tom Chiodo, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grassroots
Cite this Entry
“Grassroots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grassroots. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share