First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1ground
noun, often attributive \ˈgrau̇nd\
the ground : the surface of the earth
: the soil that is on or under the surface of the earth
: an area of land
Full Definition of GROUND
1
2
a : a basis for belief, action, or argument <ground for complaint> —often used in plural <sufficient grounds for divorce> b (1) : a fundamental logical condition (2) : a basic metaphysical cause
3
a : a surrounding area : background b : material that serves as a substratum
4
a : the surface of the earth b : an area used for a particular purpose <the parade ground> <fishing grounds> c plural : the area around and belonging to a house or other building d : an area to be won or defended in or as if in battle e : an area of knowledge or special interest <covered a lot of ground in his lecture>
6
a : an object that makes an electrical connection with the earth b : a large conducting body (as the earth) used as a common return for an electric circuit and as an arbitrary zero of potential c : electric connection with a ground
7
: a football offense utilizing primarily running plays
— from the ground up
1
: entirely new or afresh
2
: from top to bottom : thoroughly
— into the ground
: beyond what is necessary or tolerable : to exhaustion <labored an issue into the ground — Newsweek>
— off the ground
: in or as if in flight : off to a good start <the program never got off the ground>
— on the ground
: at the scene of action
— to ground
1
: into a burrow <the fox went to ground>
2
: into hiding <might need to make a run for it and go to ground someplace — Edward Hoagland>
See ground defined for English-language learners
See ground defined for kids
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Origin of GROUND
Middle English, from Old English grund; akin to Old High German grunt ground
2ground
verb
: to provide a basis or reason for (something)
: to cause a ship or boat to hit the ground below the water so that it cannot move
: to prevent (an aircraft or a pilot) from flying
Full Definition of GROUND
transitive verb
1
a : to bring to or place on the ground b : to cause to run aground
2
a : to provide a reason or justification for <our fears about technological change may be well grounded — L. K. Williams> b : to furnish with a foundation of knowledge : base <an understanding … that is grounded in fact — Michael Kimmelman>
3
: to connect electrically with a ground
4
a : to restrict to the ground <ground a pilot> b : to prohibit from taking part in some usual activities <grounded her for a week>
5
: to throw (a football) intentionally to the ground to avoid being tackled for a loss
intransitive verb
1
: to have a ground or basis : rely
2
: to run aground
3
: to hit a grounder <grounded back to the pitcher>
See ground defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GROUND
13th century
3ground
Definition of GROUND
past and past participle of grind
GROUND[1] Defined for Kids
1ground
noun \ˈgrau̇nd\
Definition of GROUND for Kids
1
: the surface of the earth <Leaves fell to the ground.>
2
3
: the bottom of a body of water <The boat struck ground.>
4
: an area of land <sacred ground>
5
: an area used for some purpose <a hunting ground>
6
grounds plural : the land around and belonging to a building <the school grounds>
7
: background 1
8
: a reason for a belief, action, or argument <What is the ground for your complaint?>
9
: an area of knowledge <We covered a lot of ground in class.>
10
: a level of achievement or success <The company is losing ground.>
11
grounds plural : material in a liquid that settles to the bottom <coffee grounds>
2ground
verb
ground·edground·ing
Definition of GROUND for Kids
1
: to provide a reason for <The practices are grounded in tradition.>
2
: to instruct in basic knowledge or understanding <The students are well grounded in math.>
3
: to run or cause to run aground <ground a ship>
4
: to connect electrically with the ground
5
: to prevent (a plane or pilot) from flying
6
: to prohibit from taking part in certain activities as punishment <My parents grounded me for a week.>
3ground
Definition of GROUND for Kids
past and past participle of grind
Medical Dictionary
ground
Learn More About GROUND
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