1
: a primary root that grows vertically downward and gives off small lateral roots
2
: the central element or position in a line of growth or development
Examples of taproot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Take time to dig out vexing taproots, such as those of dandelions and mulberry seedlings.
—
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
Radishes are a root vegetable (specifically a taproot) full of peppery flavor, vitamin C, and fiber.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2025
The taproot of this story is often identified with the infamous redlining maps created by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, or HOLC, a New Deal agency established in 1933.
—Idrees Kahloon, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
And the taproot of many of these failures was Washington’s embrace of liberal hegemony.
—Stephen M. Walt, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
See All Example Sentences for taproot
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Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
Radishes are a root vegetable (specifically a taproot) full of peppery flavor, vitamin C, and fiber.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2025
The taproot of this story is often identified with the infamous redlining maps created by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, or HOLC, a New Deal agency established in 1933.
—Idrees Kahloon, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
And the taproot of many of these failures was Washington’s embrace of liberal hegemony.
—Stephen M. Walt, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
See All Example Sentences for taproot
Cite this Entry
“Taproot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taproot. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
taproot
noun
tap·root
ˈtap-ˌrüt 
-ˌru̇t
: a large main root that grows straight down and gives off many smaller side roots compare fibrous root
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