groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel How to pronounce groundswell (audio)
1
usually ground swell : a broad deep undulation of the ocean caused by an often distant gale or seismic disturbance
2
: a rapid spontaneous growth (as of political opinion)
a groundswell of support

Examples of groundswell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The move came out of the groundswell of racial justice movements in 2020 after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 10 June 2025 Boisson made 33 unforced errors to Gauff’s 15 and could not muster the same kind of groundswell of emotion that carried her past Andreeva and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in her previous two matches. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 Much of that has come in 2025, creating a groundswell of support and appreciation for him — but there’s one vital ingredient missing from his case. Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Sometimes, parasocial relationships can actually cause a groundswell of support for celebrities—something Hailey Bieber is currently experiencing following her $1 billion sale of Rhodes. Callum Booth, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for groundswell

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundswell was in 1786

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Groundswell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundswell. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun
: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!