roots

/ ruːts /

adjective

1. (of popular music) going back to the origins of a style, esp in being genuine and unpretentious

   roots rock

Roots

1. (1976) A Pulitzer Prize –winning novel by the African-American author Alex Haley, later made into a popular television drama. It traces a black American man's heritage to Africa, where his ancestors had been captured and sold as slaves.

Other Word Forms

• rootsy adjective

Example Sentences

Proud of their roots, cooks and chefs are upholding recipes and techniques passed down over the stove and via old cookbooks that date back centuries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Originally known just as Columbus Day, the holiday, which has its roots going as far back as the 18th Century, honors the Italian explorer who arrived in America in 1492.

Read more on MarketWatch

Originally known just as Columbus Day, the holiday, which has its roots going as far back as the 18th Century, honors the Italian explorer who arrived in America in 1492.

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In fact, both Microsoft and Oracle branched out from their roots.

Read more on Barron's

Embers can bury deep in tree roots and chaparral, become covered in heavy ash and continue to smolder until strong winds set them free.

Read more on Los Angeles Times