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

He then joined Causes, an early Facebook application that allowed nonprofits to build grassroots support online, and rose to become chief executive.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

He came fourth out of the five contenders, losing to Ed Miliband, but spent the next five years building up his appeal with the party's grassroots.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

In the campaign for governor, Porter, a single mother of three, has struggled to convert grassroots popularity into broader institutional support.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

But critics have said it may damage the image of the women's game and increase costs for grassroots clubs.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

LiNK moved to Torrance from Washington, D.C., to find cheaper rent and to focus on building a grassroots movement.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden