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

See Examples For:

grass roots

Its efforts are practical - like sending out books - and often goes directly to the grass roots, where it can really make a difference, fast.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

On the remote east side of Mono Lake, he said the animals gobbled down grass, roots and all, depriving certain birds of the worms that live in the vegetation — their sustenance.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

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

Mr Pojur also said that such policies were "not adequately understood at grass roots level", and that although safety policies existed they were not implemented.

From BBC ● Feb. 26, 2024

Look lak we done run our conversation from grass roots tuh pine trees.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston