groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)
Synonyms of groundworknext
: foundation, basis
laid the groundwork for a new program
also : preparation made beforehand
The groundwork was done before the winter tour. Susan Reiter

Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
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.
But their initial challenges will be figuring out the future of a lot of things for which Iger has already laid the groundwork, including building out the standalone ESPN, merging Disney+ and Hulu, and charting a future for Disney’s linear networks. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 18 Mar. 2026 Goddard’s milestone flight laid the groundwork for the development of various space propulsion systems, including chemical rockets, nuclear-thermal rockets, and both solar- and nuclear-electric propulsion. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026 The landings will lay the groundwork for American astronauts to return to the moon for the first time since 1972 under NASA's Artemis program. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 The disclosure laid the groundwork for Cipriani to name Larry and David Ellison, Paramount, RedBird Capital and the Paramount board in his lawsuit against Shell for allegedly failing to properly oversee the exec. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for groundwork

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundwork was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwork. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

groundwork

noun
ground·​work ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)

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