groundswell

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noun ground·swell \ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel\

Definition of groundswell

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

See groundswell defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of groundswell from the Web

There was a groundswell of support to go after the world championship again.

— jessi virtusio, chicagotribune.com, "Ring of Honor champ Daniels back", 2 June 2017
Scott has loyally supported the school choice movement, but had avoided taking a position on HB 7069, as the issue incited a groundswell of criticism and opposition from parents and teacher groups.

— steve bousquet, mary ellen klas, michael auslen and kristen m. clark, miamiherald, "Governor, top legislators play Let’s Make a Deal on budget", 2 June 2017
Is there groundswell of wanting to elect an outsider to come in and shake things up?

— Washington Post, "Full interview transcript: State Sen. Frank Wagner", 1 June 2017
Yachty is at the center of a groundswell of joyousness in hip-hop.

— carrie battan, The New Yorker, "What Lil Yachty’s Optimism Means", 29 May 2017
There was a groundswell of fascination and support in ways that are kind of amazing.

— chris kohler, WIRED, "Interview: Michigan State’s Serious Games", 13 Feb. 2007

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'groundswell'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.