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

"Things have conspired against grassroot artists," he tells BBC News, "and without grassroots artists, there are no big artists."

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The first £500,000 of that is now being distributed - £125,000 for musicians and the other £375,000 for grassroots venues, promoters, festivals and producers.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

“More than 1,700 grassroots donors have powered our mayoral campaign to make LA an affordable city that works for everyone,” Raman said in a statement touting her fundraising totals.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The grassroots “De-Google” and “open source” movements aim to help people exit surveillance-driven platforms and promote transparent code that software engineers can audit for bad practices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

As public attention shifted from the streets to the courtroom, the extraordinary grassroots movement that made civil rights legislation possible faded from public view.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander