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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spreading the word on social media and to your friends, co-workers, employers, community programs and places of worship can create a groundswell of support. Dale Bannon, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 Since then, a groundswell of support has taken shape around ratification. Amy Shoenthal, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 The trend comes amid a groundswell of data suggesting weakening interest in vaccinations. Lisa Jarvis, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024 The resident’s comments echo a groundswell of commentaries and online posts calling for a reckoning on anti-Japan sentiment, many of which have since been censored by Chinese social media platforms. Cnn Staff, CNN, 25 Sep. 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 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun
: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake
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