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

There are primaries in four states on Tuesday, and two marquee Republican contests in South Carolina are set to be another test of Trump's sway with his party's grassroots.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Soccer history is fueling a new mission to change how players are managed, taught and developed at the grassroots level.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

While Pele was popularising a game he'd learned barefoot on the streets of Brazil, much of the American grassroots version was being built on privilege.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

A truly grassroots effort, Global Beatles Day has slowly but surely emerged as a bona fide tradition over the years, celebrated annually around the world on June 25.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

He didn’t just want to change Haiti at a grassroots level.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French