grassroots

[ gras-roots, -roo ts, grahs- ]

/ ˈgræsˌruts, -ˌrʊts, ˈgrɑs- /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR grassroots ON THESAURUS.COM

noun (used with a singular or plural verb) Also grass roots.

the common or ordinary people, especially as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party, social organization, etc.; the rank and file.

the agricultural and rural areas of a country.

the people inhabiting these areas, especially as a political, social, or economic group.

the origin or basis of something; the basic or primary concept, rule, part, or the like.

adjective Also grass-roots.

of, relating to, or involving the common people, especially as contrasted with or separable from an elite: a grassroots movement for nuclear disarmament.

Words nearby grassroots

grassman, grassman's law, grasso, grassplot, grassquit, grassroots, grassy, grate, grateful, grater, gratiae

Origin of grassroots

1910–15 Americanism for def 1

Examples from the Web for grassroots

The delegates were given envelopes containing $40,000 during a meeting about grassroots soccer initiatives.
Is Soccer Great Lionel Messi Corrupt?|Jack Holmes|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Either way, this is a conversation that is occurring not just at the penthouse level, but among the grassroots as well.
Rand Paul, Chris Christie Laid Out Plans for Black Voters at Penthouse Forum|David Freedlander|October 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Grassroots organizing accompanied an agenda of legislative sabotage led by the Republican congressional hierarchy.
Why Bigotry Persists|Stephen Eric Bronner|September 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then, Democratic strategists say, the grassroots were hungry for a real debate after eight years of George Bush.
Does Team Hillary Want a Democratic Challenge?|David Freedlander|September 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Both mobilized a grassroots organization unprecedented in their countries, and both hawked progressive agendas.
Scotland’s ‘Yes’ Campaign and the Myth of Scottish Equality|Noah Caldwell|September 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His eye to the grassroots, Gramps had long ago understood that everything was as old as creation itself and yet was eternally new.
The Black Fawn|James Arthur Kjelgaard
In my budget, I propose a grassroots campaign to help inform families about these medical risks.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various
Goals 2000 links world-class standards to grassroots reforms and I hope Congress will pass it without delay.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various