take root

idiomatic phrase

1
of a plant : to grow and develop roots : to become rooted
… damage to the ecosystem makes it easier for nonnative plants … to take root and crowd out native vegetation.Mary K. Miller
2
: to become fixed or established
… providing the steadiness and resolve needed to ensure that civilizations can take root and flourish.Greg Grandin
A monstrous suspicion had begun to take root in his mind.P. G. Wodehouse

Examples of take root 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.
Syndicates have formed, teams have met and ideas have taken root from these informal settings. Nate Williams, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Under Armour’s reset has yet to take root but things are headed in the right direction. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 13 May 2025 Versions took root across Japan, Spain and Cuba before the turn of the 20th century, and now Africa wants to see these battles of the biceps in the Olympics. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 13 May 2025 Fescue grasses thrive in shade, forming a green carpet that chokes out chickweed seeds trying to take root. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for take root

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of take root was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Take root.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20root. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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