groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)
: foundation, basis
laid the groundwork for a new program
also : preparation made beforehand
the groundwork was done before the winter tour Susan Reiter

Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
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.
His memoir illustrated some of the working class frustrations that led to Trump's first victory in 2016, and laid the groundwork for issues that would become central to his politics today – criticism of foreign intervention, free trade policies and betrayal by America’s elites. Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 Bailey, Slater and Bode are more effective, laying the groundwork for significant developments with their characters in Part 2 (at least in the stage musical narrative), while Yeoh and Goldblum reveal by degrees the darker intentions hidden under the cloak of authority. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 These innovations captivated audiences, laying the groundwork for the spectacle and special effects of modern entertainment venues. Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024 The Department of Defense, which had resisted the upgrades for years due to the steep cost, began paying for them once the free trial ended, laying the groundwork for future Azure consumption. Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for groundwork 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundwork was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near groundwork

Cite this Entry

“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwork. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

groundwork

noun
ground·​work ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on groundwork

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