grass roots

British  

plural noun

1. 1. the ordinary people as distinct from the active leadership of a party or organization: used esp of the rank-and-file members of a political party, or of the voters themselves

   2. ( as modifier )

      the newly elected MP expressed a wish for greater contact with people at grass-roots level

2. the origin or essentials

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Etymology

Origin of grass roots

C20: sense 1 originally US, with reference to rural areas in contrast to the towns

Example Sentences

Ideally, the money goes to invest into grass roots development — but in many cases, there seems little to show for FIFA’s largesse.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026

In the face of such diverse challenges, Mijente Executive Director Marisa Franco said nonprofits and grass roots must find strength by working together.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

"What I want to ensure is that the Premier League is built on those firm foundations so clubs all the way through from the grass roots to the Premier League can continue to thrive."

From BBC • May 23, 2025

People need motivation to join in on the hard work of grass roots organizing necessary to make the most of a sudden opportunity for cultural change.

From Salon • Aug. 30, 2024

“The workers trap rats when they don’t satisfy me enough to get fed. Some of the grass roots are said to be tasty. I wouldn’t know.”

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer