grass·roots
ˈgras-ˌrüts 
-ˌru̇ts
variants
or less commonly grassroot
ˈgras-ˌrüt
-ˌru̇t
1
: basic, fundamental
the grassroots factor in deciding to buy a house
2
: being, originating, or operating in or at the grass roots
a grassroots organization
grassroots political support
3
: not adapted from or added to an existing facility or operation : totally new
a grassroots refinery
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: the very foundation or source
You must attack the problem at the grass roots.
2
: the basic level of society or of an organization especially as viewed in relation to higher or more centralized positions of power
was losing touch with the party's grass roots
Examples of grassroots in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Faced with largely empty campaign venues, parties and independent candidates have opted for grassroots meetings in the streets, markets and popular cafes with citizens.
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 June 2026
The plastic underneath the grass ensures grass roots only go down so far.
—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for grassroots
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.
Adjective
Dias said that backers of noncitizen voting need to build a broad coalition — grassroots organizations, election officials, lawyers for the city — before taking the proposal to voters.
—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Faced with largely empty campaign venues, parties and independent candidates have opted for grassroots meetings in the streets, markets and popular cafes with citizens.
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Noun
Install Landscape Edging Plastic, steel, wood, brick, or stone garden edging creates a physical barrier that blocks underground grass roots and keeps them from spreading among your flower beds.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 June 2026
The plastic underneath the grass ensures grass roots only go down so far.
—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for grassroots
Cite this Entry
“Grassroots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grassroots. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
