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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
State of play: A grassroots opposition effort showed up at neighborhood meetings across the city to make its case against the plan.
—Nate Rau, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
Sharon Edelson, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
These grubs feed on grass roots, overwintering to resume feeding in the spring.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for grassroots 
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Adjective
Cruz's Democratic opponent, buoyed by significant grassroots support and fundraising, is aiming to replicate the near-upset seen in Cruz's 2018 re-election bid against O'Rourke, where Cruz won by only 2.6 percentage points.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
State of play: A grassroots opposition effort showed up at neighborhood meetings across the city to make its case against the plan.
—Nate Rau, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
That can be coupled with a broader strategy that feels more authentic, more grass roots.
—Sharon Edelson, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
These grubs feed on grass roots, overwintering to resume feeding in the spring.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for grassroots
Dictionary Entries Near grassroots
Cite this Entry
“Grassroots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grassroots. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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