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

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

Martin, the Fianna Fáil party leader, told his parliamentary party on Wednesday that he "always had the best interest" of the party "at heart" and that he is "always pro grass roots".

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2025

"The battle for the grass roots is on!"

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2025

They hauled up thick, juicy grass roots, knocked them against their arms to dislodge dirt, and proceeded to feed.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer