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
Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025
Related Articles The money will go directly into the foundation’s Kindness in Community Fund, which provides grants to grassroots organizations serving LGBTQIA+ youth.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
Katie J.m. Baker, New York Times, 18 May 2025
In response, a robust care movement has emerged over the past three decades, led by NGO’s, grass roots organizations, public agencies, and more, working to build and strengthen care infrastructure.
—Tom Chiodo, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grassroots
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Adjective
What first started as a church filling a need in its community by providing shelter and grew into a a grassroots organization that neighbors in need turned to for a decade, has in recent months devolved into a dispute over tax codes, real estate and the role of religion in social services.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025
Related Articles The money will go directly into the foundation’s Kindness in Community Fund, which provides grants to grassroots organizations serving LGBTQIA+ youth.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
Noun
Heritage Action, the think tank’s grass roots advocacy arm, is helping states pass legislation that penalizes those who support boycotts against Israel.
—Katie J.m. Baker, New York Times, 18 May 2025
In response, a robust care movement has emerged over the past three decades, led by NGO’s, grass roots organizations, public agencies, and more, working to build and strengthen care infrastructure.
—Tom Chiodo, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grassroots
Cite this Entry
“Grassroots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grassroots. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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