take root

idiomatic phrase

1
of a plant : to grow and develop roots : to become rooted
… damage to the ecosystem makes it easier for nonnative plants … to take root and crowd out native vegetation.Mary K. Miller
2
: to become fixed or established
… providing the steadiness and resolve needed to ensure that civilizations can take root and flourish.Greg Grandin
A monstrous suspicion had begun to take root in his mind.P. G. Wodehouse

Examples of take root in a Sentence

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.
Recognized as a particularly pesky class of anthropogenic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can take root in land once given the opportunity, according to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC). Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025 So was the attachment that took root in two years in San Diego. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Dec. 2025 The Assemblies of God took root in Australia nearly a century ago, and denomination leaders there also considered the autonomy of each church to be sacrosanct. Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025 Around the table, stories were shared, relationships were strengthened, and a collective sense of purpose took root. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for take root

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of take root was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Take root.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20root. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!