grassroots

American  

[gras-roots, -roots, grahs-] / ˈgræsˌruts, -ˌrʊts, ˈgrɑs- /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the common or ordinary people, especially as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party, social organization, etc.; the rank and file.

2. the agricultural and rural areas of a country.

3. the people inhabiting these areas, especially as a political, social, or economic group.

4. the origin or basis of something; the basic or primary concept, rule, part, or the like.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving the common people, especially as contrasted with or separable from an elite.

   a grassroots movement for nuclear disarmament.

Etymology

Origin of grassroots

1910–15 grassroots for def. 1

Explanation

Something grassroots is at the most basic level of something, down there in the dirt with the roots of an idea or activity. If you’re looking to make a change from the ground up, start at the grassroots. If you want a gorgeous yard, don’t fluff the blades of grass, get down to work on the roots and soil. The grassroots is the most fundamental, basic level of well, grass, but also ideas or political movements. Freedom is a grassroots value of America. Love is a grassroots part of marriage. Reading and writing are grassroots elements of education. Grassroots is where things begin and shoot out from.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

grassroots

CiviClick describes itself on its website as “the first and best AI-powered grassroots advocacy platform.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

Norman, the suburban Charlotte congressman whom Graham defeated, ran as a hard-right grassroots conservative.

From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2026

That is rapidly changing in the face of a volcanic grassroots backlash that threatens the foundations of the AI boom.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

Protecting religious freedom and practice has been a Paxton priority since he became attorney general in 2015, generating loyal support from grassroots conservatives.

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

He’d collaborated with grassroots leaders, everyday citizens, and elected officials, and almost miraculously it had yielded results.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama