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.
However, policymakers, and Chair Jerome Powell in particular, could lay the groundwork for what is ahead as far as rates go. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025 The Sixers’ current lease at Wells Fargo Center runs until 2031, and the team has spent two years laying the groundwork for a new NBA arena in downtown Philadelphia. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 12 Jan. 2025 Climate change laid the groundwork for California’s megafires. Melina Walling, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025 In many ways, Laika’s sacrifice laid the groundwork for the successes of the many space programs that followed. Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 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 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

groundwork

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

More from Merriam-Webster on groundwork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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