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

American and Colombian firms see an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of the country’s potential recovery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

You never know when you’ll find yourself on the ground floor of a scandal, reading a story that will change history forever and result in the unthinkable.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Five minutes past midnight, she hit "submit" on her story and headed downstairs to the ground floor.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Ahead of the Lyon rally, some residents living near the march's planned route had barricaded the ground floor windows of their apartments, fearing unrest.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

We went down in the lift to the ground floor and made our way through the Reading-Room to the Lounge.

From "The Witches" by Roald Dahl