groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel How to pronounce groundswell (audio)
1
usually ground swell : a broad deep undulation of the ocean caused by an often distant gale or seismic disturbance
2
: a rapid spontaneous growth (as of political opinion)
a groundswell of support

Examples of groundswell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Yet, groundswells of humanity are emerging amongst the dirt digging, widespread misinformation and deeply unethical sharing of imagery at play. Lauren Coulman, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 That groundswell would have to come from parents, educators and educator societies, local to national health care systems, local to national policymakers, public health experts, researchers, funding agencies, insurance companies, etcetera. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024 After a groundswell of grassroots complaints to @ElonMusk from the #WhiteDudesforHarris community, our account was reinstated & we’re allowed to post again. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 July 2024 Perhaps internal heat is causing a groundswell or triggering eruptions that pile material on the peak. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for groundswell 

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundswell was in 1786

Dictionary Entries Near groundswell

Cite this Entry

“Groundswell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundswell. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun
: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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