groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel How to pronounce groundswell (audio)
1
usually ground swell : a broad deep undulation of the ocean caused by an often distant gale or seismic disturbance
2
: a rapid spontaneous growth (as of political opinion)
a groundswell of support

Examples of groundswell 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.
By the time surging newcomer Zach Top released his debut country album, Cold Beer & Country Music, in April, the 27-year-old singer-songwriter was already seeing a groundswell of support from fans and his fellow artists. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024 The past few years have seen a groundswell of concern from researchers about how race, a social construct not based in biology, is misused in biomedicine. Byjocelyn Kaiser, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024 That triumph, according to those who experienced it, also required a groundswell of focus and belief leading up to the defining moment. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2024 Obama will boost Harris in Kalamazoo, a city in the western part of the critical state and an area where the VP’s campaign needs a groundswell of support from the Democratic Party base. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for groundswell 

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundswell was in 1786

Dictionary Entries Near groundswell

Cite this Entry

“Groundswell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundswell. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun
: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake
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!