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
GROUNDS 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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