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.
At the same time, some of Trump’s closest allies are laying the groundwork for other MAGA up-and-comers. Eric Cortellessa, Time, 27 Mar. 2025 Former Councilmember Chuck Lowery served on an ad hoc committee that laid the groundwork for the cannabis program in 2017. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025 Trump issued a proclamation calling Tren de Aragua an invading force, laying the groundwork for the deportation flights. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 24 Mar. 2025 Their research can lay the groundwork for what the private sector delivers to the marketplace – and its loss could have lasting consequences. Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwork. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

groundwork

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

More from Merriam-Webster on groundwork

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