groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)
: foundation, basis
laid the groundwork for a new program
also : preparation made beforehand
the groundwork was done before the winter tour Susan Reiter

Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
Recent Examples on the Web Tillis says senators may have to continue laying the groundwork for a while and educating colleagues on why some regulation is needed, with an eye toward passing legislation in the next Congress. Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2024 The California Legislature has historically supported the programs, and existing language in the state’s Health and Safety Code provides the groundwork for the recent lawsuit. Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2024 The brand serves as a personal affirmation, informed by experiences before college that helped form the groundwork of the brand identity. Cordell Jones, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024 Former President Donald Trump is laying the groundwork amid campaign stumps for what will likely be his foreign policy agenda if re-elected, including his eagerness to deliver foreign aid in the form of loans as opposed to grants. Emma Colton, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2024 Winslet has also made sure her daughter is comfortable in her own skin and started setting the groundwork for body positivity at a young age. Emy Lacroix, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 Last year, however, Cypress Hill really seemed to start laying the groundwork to bring the bit to life by booking several shows in the United States alongside the likes of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, the Oregon Symphony, and the San Diego Symphony. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2024 That team would lay the groundwork for the investigation that Mr. Smith would take over as special counsel a year and a half later. Adam Goldman, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 But the state could lay groundwork by subpoenaing Trump for information about his assets. Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'groundwork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundwork was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near groundwork

Cite this Entry

“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwork. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

groundwork

noun
ground·​work ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on groundwork

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