- the ordinary people as distinct from the active leadership of a party or organization: used esp of the rank-and-file members of a political party, or of the voters themselves
- the origin or essentials
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
grass roots /ˈgræs ˈruts/USA pronunciation
n.
[plural* used with a plural verb but sometimes used with a singular verb]
adj. [grass-roots* before a noun]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Governmentordinary citizens, esp. as contrasted with a leadership or elite.
adj. [grass-roots* before a noun]
- Governmentof, from, or aimed at the grass roots:grass-roots support.
grass′ roots′, (used with a sing. or pl. v.)
grass-roots (gras′ro̅o̅ts′, -rŏŏts′, gräs′-),USA pronunciation adj.
- Governmentthe common or ordinary people, esp. as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party, social organization, etc.;
the rank and file. - Governmentthe agricultural and rural areas of a country.
- Governmentthe people inhabiting these areas, esp. as a political, social, or economic group.
- the origin or basis of something;
the basic or primary concept, rule, part, or the like.
- 1910–15 American. for def. 1
grass-roots (gras′ro̅o̅ts′, -rŏŏts′, gräs′-),USA pronunciation adj.
- Governmentof, pertaining to, or involving the common people, esp. as contrasted with or separable from an elite:a grass-roots movement for nuclear disarmament.
- 1910–15
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
grass roots pl n
'grass roots' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):