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

Example Sentences

In a faded rehearsal hall in the gritty concrete sprawl of northern Rio de Janeiro, samba dancers and drummers fine-tune their rhythms for a grassroots carnival parade few tourists have heard of.

From Barron's

There is also set to be an attempt by representatives of some grassroots clubs, via an extraordinary general meeting, to replace the chairman once the Six Nations is over.

From BBC

BBC Radio 6 Music has announced it will be hosting its annual live music festival at a series of grassroots venues across Greater Manchester.

From BBC

That night, I saw photos on X of people lining up to meet him at “ClawCon,” a grassroots event planned by OpenClaw users.

From The Wall Street Journal

Let’s Go Washington, a grassroots organization pushing against state government overreach, turned in a mountain of signatures for these initiatives.

From The Wall Street Journal