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

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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

See Examples For:

grassroots

In Houston, the grassroots campaign of Democrat Leticia Gutierrez topped Army veteran and former investment banker Alex Mealer, despite being vastly outspent in a district that Trump won by 20 percentage points two years ago.

From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026

She was one of the driving forces behind the grassroots group Save Piqua, which advocated for a ban on data centers with a capacity of more than 25 megawatts, effectively ruling out any large-scale project.

From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 2026

It has also seen a groundswell of grassroots support in some communities for more restrictions on new data centers.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

The grassroots effort has grown out of existing programs — the Election Protection coalition has been operating since 2000 — but interest from volunteers is particularly high this year, organizers from several groups said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026

Major grassroots organizing efforts would be under way in nearly every state and city nationwide.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

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