groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)
: 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.
Local sheriffs and former Confederate soldiers were regularly among their ranks, and their actions helped lay the groundwork for the modern relationship between law enforcement, racial control, and political power in the South. Josiah Bates, Time, 14 Oct. 2025 All of this will set the groundwork for future lunar habitats, serving as a stepping stone for deep space exploration. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025 At trial, Crawford's attorneys acknowledged his guilt to lay the groundwork for an insanity defense, even though that's not how Crawford wanted to handle the case, according to reporting by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 While these plans lay the groundwork for Survivor Series, the road to WarGames goes directly through this Saturday's Crown Jewel event. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 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 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

groundwork

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

More from Merriam-Webster on groundwork

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