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
Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 July 2024
So with the World Cup returning in less than two years, U.S. Soccer has been searching for a suitable encore, one that would complement MLS by growing the sport at the grassroots level.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024
Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 12 June 2024
Miriam Jordan reports from a grass roots perspective on immigrants and their impact on the demographics, society and economy of the United States.
—Miriam Jordan, New York Times, 2 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for grassroots 
Adjective
Pennsylvania 19 Electoral Votes A coalition of grassroots organizations sued Pennsylvania officials in late May to end the disqualification of mail-in ballots lacking a handwritten date on the envelope.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 July 2024
So with the World Cup returning in less than two years, U.S. Soccer has been searching for a suitable encore, one that would complement MLS by growing the sport at the grassroots level.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024
Noun
Carl’s law firm has grown on a grass roots basis, and now maintains seven offices across North Carolina.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 12 June 2024
Miriam Jordan reports from a grass roots perspective on immigrants and their impact on the demographics, society and economy of the United States.
—Miriam Jordan, New York Times, 2 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for grassroots
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'grassroots.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near grassroots
Cite this Entry
“Grassroots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grassroots. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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