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

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

Knotted grass roots hung down and brushed them as they passed.

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