ground floor

American  

noun

1. the floor of a building at or nearest to ground level.

2. Informal. an advantageous position or opportunity in a business matter, especially in a new enterprise.

   She took the job in the new company because she wanted to get in on the ground floor.

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ground floor British  

noun

1. the floor of a building level or almost level with the ground

2. informal

   1. to enter a business, organization, etc, at the lowest level

   2. to be in a project, undertaking, etc, from its inception

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Etymology

Origin of ground floor

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

Another $1.1 million was set aside to build fences and secure the ground floors of the building.

From Los Angeles Times

“The idea of getting in on the ground floor, especially in a beautiful place like Green-Wood, is a little irresistible.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Used primarily as an office building, its ornate design, carvings and sculptures — including a ground floor fountain with frolicking bronze youths — hadn’t invited much public attention or appreciation.

From Los Angeles Times

“This’ll probably get Coal into the lab, but there’s still the problem of security on the ground floor,” Mari continued.

From Literature

Lalau jumped at the prospect of working with a group from the ground floor.

From Los Angeles Times