Astroturf

1 of 2

trademark

As·​tro·​turf ˈa-strə-ˌtərf 

-ˌstrō-

—used for artificial turf

astroturf

2 of 2

adjective

as·​tro·​turf ˈa-strə-ˌtərf 

-ˌstrō-

variants or less commonly Astroturf

: falsely made to appear grassroots

an astroturf campaign/group

When successful, Astroturf efforts resemble actual community mobilization efforts. They create the impression that local people are engaged in the effort and doing the things that traditional community organizations do.

—John McNutt and Katherine Boland

If some big-time marketer fakes a grassroots meme, then you have an astroturf meme.

—Paul McFedries

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from attributive use of Astroturf, a trademark

First Known Use

Adjective

1994, in the meaning defined above